Governors, ministers, and top political figures from the South-East have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement also came from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural group of the Igbo people.
This decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the 2025 annual Igbo Day celebration, themed “IGBO EKUNIE”, The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise. The event, which ran across the seven Igbo-speaking states, ended with a grand finale in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on September 29.
Signatories to the communiqué include Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Chief Chinenyeze, Prof. Nneoma Ukpabi, and Chief Alex Okemiri.
Part of the statement read: “In a profound display of unity and reverence, interfaith prayers were held at the Afikpo Central Mosque in Ebonyi State on September 26, followed by a Sabbath Divine Worship at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, on September 27, and culminating in a global church service at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt on September 28.”
According to the group, the ceremonies were aimed at seeking peace, security, and prosperity for the South-East. Special prayers were also offered for those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the Igbo cause.
In a historic move, the communiqué declared that the “unresolved misunderstanding among members of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which hindered the elevation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to the position of Premier of the Western Region in 1952” would no longer define Igbo-Yoruba relations. Leaders agreed it was time to end the 73-year-old rivalry.
The group further praised President Tinubu for his inclusion of the South-East in major infrastructure projects, especially the ₦5 trillion road development initiative led by Works Minister, David Umahi.
Another pressing issue the communiqué stated was the revival of abandoned projects such as the Enugu Coal Mine, the Azumiri Seaport in Abia, and the Ivo Dam. It demanded quick action on the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway project, describing it as vital to regional trade and economic growth.
The South-East leaders further pledged “support for Asiwaju President Tinubu’s uninterrupted presidency until 2031” and resolved to suspend support for opposition candidates.