The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in conjunction with prominent stakeholders across the South-East, has adopted President Bola Tinubu as the sole consensus candidate for the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation disclosed this in a statement signed by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the National Spokesperson, Chief Thompson Ohia, on Monday.
According to the statement, the formal declaration is scheduled to take place on Friday, 23 May 2025, coinciding with President Tinubu’s significant visit to Abia State, a stronghold of Nigeria’s opposition Labour Party.
The statement reads: “This historic consensus has been meticulously cultivated through extensive consultations with a diverse array of key stakeholders, including South-East governors, revered traditional rulers, esteemed religious leaders, and representatives from various youth and women’s groups, as well as civil society organisations across our region.
“The collective decision reached by Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East stakeholders marks a departure from historical precedence and signifies a resolute intent to align with the mainstream national leadership under President Tinubu. It heralds the official end of the South-East’s longstanding affiliation with opposition parties such as the PDP, APGA, and LP—a decisive step towards a reorientation, concluding an era of opposition from 2015 to 2025 and transitioning into collaboration with the APC.
“In this spirit of unity and progress, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East stakeholders have appointed Senator David Umahi, the distinguished Minister of Works and former Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, to serve as the lead coordinator for President Tinubu’s campaign across the South-East. Senator Umahi’s proven leadership and unwavering commitment to development make him the ideal candidate for this crucial role. Ohanaeze expresses full confidence in his ability to mobilise support, foster cooperation, and deliver a resounding victory for President Tinubu in the upcoming election.
“Furthermore, we emphasise that any coalition of opposition politicians currently lacks the capacity to challenge a sitting president of the calibre and competence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With firm conviction, we declare that the South-East will no longer be shackled to ineffective opposition, particularly under the leadership of Mr Peter Obi, whose tenure has failed to fulfil the promises made to our people.
“On that landmark day, 23 May 2025, during President Tinubu’s scheduled visit, we expect the collective presence of all South-East governors—irrespective of their political affiliations—representing the APC, PDP, LP, and APGA. This unprecedented gathering will not only cement our endorsement of President Tinubu as the South-East’s sole candidate but also symbolise a historic transition from a decade of unproductive opposition to one of constructive national integration.
“We urge all stakeholders and citizens of the South-East to wholeheartedly embrace this transformative journey, uniting our voices and actions to ensure that Ndigbo continue to play a central role in Nigeria’s national discourse. This is more than a political endorsement; it is a clarion call for renewed commitment, resilience, and aspiration to uplift our region and the nation at large.”
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