2027: Ohanaeze Sends Strong Message to Tinubu After Adeleke’s Osun Victory

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to draw lessons from the outcome of the Osun State Governorship Election and focus his 2027 re-election strategy on measurable achievements and leaders with proven records of performance.

The group made the call in a statement signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa, on Monday, August 17, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner of the Osun governorship election, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to the outcome, Ohanaeze said the election demonstrated that Nigerian voters are becoming increasingly focused on accountability, visible development and leadership performance.

According to the organisation, political structures, financial inducements and party influence may no longer be sufficient to guarantee electoral victory as voters increasingly assess leaders based on their records.

Ohanaeze’s message to Tinubu

Ohanaeze advised President Tinubu not to rely exclusively on assurances from the APC Governors Forum and other party structures ahead of the 2027 general election.

Instead, the organisation urged the President to strengthen his political strategy around individuals whose achievements can be clearly identified and appreciated by Nigerians.

“The strongest pathway to success in 2027 is not merely through party structures, but through achievements that Nigerians can identify with and leaders whose performance commands genuine public support,” the group said.

Ohanaeze argued that the Osun election should serve as a warning to political parties and leaders that Nigerians are increasingly prepared to reward competence and visible development.

Ohanaeze praises Umahi

The Igbo socio-cultural organisation specifically commended the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for what it described as his commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal highways, particularly in the Southeast.

Ohanaeze said the ongoing federal road projects in the region represent one of the most visible interventions by the Federal Government in the Southeast in decades.

The group said the projects have improved connectivity, created economic opportunities and addressed some of the region’s long-standing infrastructure challenges.

It also praised Umahi for consistently highlighting and defending the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure projects in the Southeast.

According to Ohanaeze, political leaders should be judged by their courage, consistency and measurable contributions to society rather than political statements alone.

Group criticises Southeast leaders

Ohanaeze also expressed concern over what it described as limited public advocacy by some Southeast political leaders regarding the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the region.

The organisation said leaders seeking to influence Nigeria’s political future must demonstrate clear records of service and communicate tangible achievements to the people.

It urged Tinubu to continue prioritising infrastructure development, economic growth, inclusive governance and the empowerment of credible performers who can effectively communicate the administration’s policies and achievements.

The group maintained that the outcome of the Osun election shows that Nigerian voters are becoming more independent and informed.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo insists that performance will shape the future of Nigerian politics, and only leaders with demonstrable achievements will secure the confidence of the electorate in 2027,” the statement said.

Signed:
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa
Ag. Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

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