A significant political development has emerged in Nigeria’s South-East as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alongside governors and ministers from the region, have formally adopted President Bola Tinubu as their consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. This endorsement marks a historic shift in the region’s political alignment considering the South-East’s traditional opposition stance over the last decade.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo ethnic group, announced this consensus following extensive consultations involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders including regional governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, and civil society. This collective decision was publicized in a statement by key figures such as Deputy President Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
The group highlighted President Tinubu’s growing commitment to the South-East, citing major infrastructure projects such as the allocation of N1.43 trillion for federal roads, the launch of the South-East Development Commission, and the $3 billion modernization project for the Eastern Economic Corridor railway. They view these strategic initiatives as a transformation opportunity to reposition the South-East as an emerging economic hub in West Africa.
Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former South-East Governors Forum chairman, is appointed as lead coordinator for Tinubu’s campaign in the zone. Ohanaeze expressed confidence in his leadership to galvanize regional support effectively.
This endorsement breaks with previous alignments to parties like the PDP, APGA, and the Labour Party, signaling a unified front behind the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group dismissed opposition media tactics aimed at undermining regional unity and stressed their commitment to sustained collaboration for the South-East’s development.
The endorsement of Tinubu underscores a broader national strategy to enhance political integration and regional development through partnership and constructive engagement ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
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