The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly criticised the Federal Government over what it described as the “deliberate exclusion” of repented Igbo militants from the national amnesty and rehabilitation programme.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the omission of over 1,400 alleged former Biafran agitators from the ongoing De-Radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) initiative under Operation Safe Corridor.

Ohanaeze expressed concern that while about 700 repentant members of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have reportedly benefited from the programme, no Igbo ex-combatants have been included since its inception.

The group described the situation as “unjustifiable and offensive,” warning that it could deepen regional tensions and undermine national unity.

According to the statement signed by Deputy President General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman Thompson Ohia, over 2,600 ex-combatants have passed through the rehabilitation programme, yet none are from the Southeast.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is compelled to raise an urgent objection to the unjustifiable exclusion of 1,443 repented former Biafran agitators from the Federal Government’s amnesty programme,” the statement read.

The group acknowledged the government’s efforts to rehabilitate former insurgents but questioned what it termed a “glaring disparity” in the application of the policy.

It further urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and ensure that Igbo militants are incorporated into future phases of the programme.

Ohanaeze argued that excluding the Southeast from such initiatives could be counterproductive, stressing that inclusive reconciliation efforts are essential for long-term peace and stability.

The organisation also called for broader amnesty considerations to include individuals it described as “prisoners of conscience,” including Nnamdi Kanu.

It maintained that integrating repented agitators from Igbo-speaking regions including parts of Delta and Rivers states would help address lingering insecurity and foster national cohesion.

The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to the claims as of press time.

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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared strong support for the newly formed Southeast Former Governors Forum, describing it as a strategic platform to drive development and deepen collaboration with the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on April 12, 2026, the group said the forum, led by Dave Umahi, represents a “bold and visionary initiative” aimed at accelerating infrastructure and economic growth in Nigeria’s Southeast region.

Ohanaeze noted that the initiative would provide critical support to serving governors in the region while fostering a productive partnership with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the group, such collaboration is essential to addressing long-standing developmental challenges, particularly in infrastructure, economic expansion, and sustainable growth.

Call for Expansion and Inclusivity

The organisation also called for the expansion of the forum to include former governors of Igbo extraction from Delta State and Rivers State, citing the significant Igbo-speaking populations in both states.

It argued that incorporating leaders from these areas would strengthen unity among Ndigbo and ensure broader representation of Igbo interests across Nigeria.

Dismisses Criticism

Ohanaeze dismissed criticisms of the forum’s formation, describing them as attempts by “external enemies” to create division among the Igbo people.

The group maintained that opposition to the initiative should not distract from its overarching goal of regional development and unity.

Push for Rebranding

In a notable recommendation, Ohanaeze suggested renaming the body from the Southeast Former Governors Forum to the “Igbo Former Governors Forum” to better reflect its inclusive vision and cultural identity.

Endorsement of Tinubu

The organisation also backed the reported endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 by the forum, describing it as a strategic move in the interest of the Southeast.

It stressed that the decision should be viewed beyond partisan politics, framing it instead as a pragmatic step toward securing federal support for regional development.

Key Political Figures Involved

Ohanaeze commended leaders who attended the forum’s inaugural meeting in Enugu, including Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chris Ngige, Sullivan Chime, and Martin Elechi.

It also urged other prominent figures—including Peter Obi, Rochas Okorocha, Orji Uzor Kalu, Willie Obiano, and Emeka Ihedioha—to participate in future engagements regardless of political affiliations.

Commitment to Southeast Development

Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that address what it described as the historical neglect of the Southeast, emphasizing the need for unity, strategic partnerships, and sustained engagement with the Federal Government.

The statement was signed by Deputy President-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman Thompson Ohia.

READ FULL STATEMENT

OHANAEZE NDIGBO PRESS RELEASE

OHANAEZE NDIGBO BACKS SOUTHEAST FORMER GOVERNORS FORUM’S SUPPORT FOR TINUBU – “A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO UNLOCK SOUTHEAST’S DEVELOPMENT” CALLS FOR THE INCLUSION OF DELTA AND RIVERS FORMER GOVERNORS OF IGBO EXTRACTION*

Date: 12th April 2027

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, hereby issues a resounding and unequivocal statement in support of the newly formed Forum of Southeast Former Governors, under the leadership of Senator Nweze David Umahi. Concurrently, we earnestly urge this new group to broaden its membership scope to embrace former Igbo governors hailing from Delta and Rivers States.

The Southeast Former Governors Forum, a non – partisan entity dedicated solely to the promotion of infrastructural development and economic advancement within the Southeast region, is a beacon of hope and a welcome development for all Igbos, both at home and abroad. Its core aim of providing tactical support to the current Southeast presiding governors is a strategic masterstroke. This initiative is designed to foster a harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership between the Southeast Region and the Federal Government. Such a partnership is crucial, as it promises to provide well – thought – out solutions to the numerous regional challenges and problems that have long plagued Ndigbo and the Southeast Region, particularly in the realms of infrastructural development and economic upliftment.

Some opposing views have emerged on the social media space regarding the establishment of this organization. Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly dismisses these as the handiwork of external enemies of Ndigbo, who are exploiting willing tools and faceless Igbo groups to create chaos. It is well – understood that in any democratic society and sane political landscape, misconceptions about new initiatives are inevitable. However, the overarching and larger Igbo interest remains at the heart of this matter. The survival and development of the Southeast region are paramount. Ndigbo, in fact, wholeheartedly support any genuine governmental efforts aimed at rebuilding the long – neglected Southeast Infrastructural Development. Since the end of the Biafra War in 1970-Ndigbo have suffered long – standing grievances; it is time to bring succor to these age – old concerns. We must reinforce our partnership with the current Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Southeast Former Governors Forum in collaboration with the Southeast Presiding Governors. This is the surest way to guarantee and achieve our collective Igbo interests.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo wishes to remind the newly formed Southeast Former Governors Forum that our organization recognizes seven Igbo – speaking States, inclusive of Anioma in Delta and Ikwerre in Rivers States. Former Igbo governors from Delta and Rivers States should be actively encouraged to partake in the forum’s activities. To accommodate these governors, a change in the forum’s nomenclature from Southeast Former Governors Forum to Igbo Former Governors Forum is highly advisable. This change would align the forum more comprehensively with its true purpose of representing and serving the entire Igbo populace.

We extend our vote of confidence to the members who graced the Enugu inaugural ceremony and meeting. Senator Dave Umahi, Ambassador Okezie Ikpeazu, Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dr Chris Ngige, Barr Sullivan Chime, and Chief Martin Elechi are outstanding leaders and a source of pride for the Igbo Nation. We earnestly call upon other absentee members, including Senator Rochas Okorocha, Mr Peter Obi, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, Dr Sam Egwu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Chief Willie Obiano, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Achike Udenwa, Dr Okwesirieze Nwodo, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the only Igbo female governor Mrs V Etiaba, and our revered leader and statesman Senator Jim Nwobodo. Regardless of their political affiliations, they should actively participate in the upcoming meetings. Their collective wisdom and experience are invaluable assets for the progress of the Igbo people and the Southeast region.

Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that the Umahi – led Southeast Former Governors Forum’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 re – election bid is in the best interests of both the Southeast and Ndigbo. It is a strategic move that will further strengthen the partnership between the region and the Federal Government, leading to tangible development and prosperity for all.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Chief Thompson Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo

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The South East Former Governors Forum has formally declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, signaling a major political alignment ahead of the next general elections.

The group was inaugurated on April 7, 2026, at the Presidential Lodge in Enugu, bringing together prominent former governors from the region. Among those in attendance were David Umahi, Sullivan Chime, and Chris Ngige.

Speaking at the launch, members of the forum expressed satisfaction with Tinubu’s administration, particularly highlighting federal appointments and infrastructure projects in the South East. They described the president’s efforts as inclusive and beneficial to the region.
The forum also claimed that all serving governors in the South East are aligned with the endorsement, reinforcing what they described as a unified political front in support of Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

As part of its next steps, the group announced plans to embark on courtesy visits to sitting governors across the region, starting with Peter Mbah. The visits are expected to consolidate support and strengthen political cooperation ahead of 2027.

While supporters have welcomed the move as a sign of regional unity and strategic positioning, critics argue that the endorsement is a calculated political maneuver aimed at influencing voter sentiment ahead of the elections.

The development comes amid increasing political activities and alignments nationwide as stakeholders begin to position themselves for the 2027 general elections.

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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant unconditional release to Nnamdi Kanu, stating that such a move would not affect his chances in the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued on March 31, 2026, and signed by its Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Thomson Ohia, the group argued that Kanu’s agitation has been widely misunderstood.

Ohanaeze stated that Kanu’s advocacy aligns with the philosophy of Odumegwu Ojukwu, particularly the concept of “Biafra of the Mind,” which it described as a non-secessionist ideology aimed at drawing attention to the marginalisation of the Southeast.

‘Kanu Not a Secessionist’ — Ohanaeze

The group noted that Kanu began his activism in 2001 under the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra led by Ralph Uwazuruike, before later establishing Radio Biafra in London.

According to Ohanaeze, his campaign was initially non-violent but evolved amid rising insecurity and tensions during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The organisation claimed that Kanu’s message was later distorted by individuals pursuing personal interests, as well as diaspora influences shaped by Nigeria’s global image at the time.

Appeal for Presidential Amnesty

Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to consider granting Kanu a presidential pardon before the Democracy Day Nigeria, citing what it described as a precedent in the release of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The group maintained that releasing Kanu from detention at Sokoto Correctional Facility would promote national unity and strengthen Tinubu’s political standing ahead of the 2027 elections.

It also warned that opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, could exploit Kanu’s continued detention as a political tool.

Calls for Southeast Development

Ohanaeze further emphasised the need for the Federal Government to address longstanding infrastructural deficits in the Southeast, which it said date back to the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.

The group, however, commended the Tinubu administration for ongoing reconstruction projects, including the reopening of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

It expressed confidence that the President would consider its appeal and facilitate Kanu’s release in 2026, urging the IPOB leader to comply with any conditions attached to such a decision.

In a move aimed at resolving the ongoing controversy surrounding the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Senators from the South East region of Nigeria have held a meeting with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, was convened to demand the release of Kanu, who has been in detention since his arrest in Kenya in June 2021. The Senators, who represent the interests of the South East region, argued that Kanu’s continued detention was unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the Senators presented a strong case for Kanu’s release, citing the need for peace and stability in the region. They also expressed concerns about the potential consequences of Kanu’s continued detention on the security and economic well-being of the South East region.

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In response, the Attorney-General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, assured the Senators that the Federal Government was committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice was served in the case. He, however, noted that the matter was currently before the courts and that the government could not interfere with the judicial process.

The meeting ended with a resolution to continue engaging with relevant stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The Senators vowed to continue pushing for Kanu’s release, while the Attorney-General promised to keep the Senators informed of any developments in the case.

The meeting is seen as a significant step towards resolving the crisis surrounding Kanu’s detention and the agitation for the independence of the South East region. It is hoped that the dialogue will continue and lead to a peaceful resolution that will benefit all parties involved.

Yesterday South East Governors’ forum revealed plan to meet with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPO), Nnamdi Kanu. The forum made this known in Enugu after their meeting.