Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to apologise to Ndigbo over grievances associated with the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the election presents Tinubu and the APC with an opportunity to rebuild trust with the Southeast through reconciliation, equitable political representation, improved security and a concrete development agenda for the region.

In a statement dated October 15, 2026, and signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the organisation said a sincere apology must be accompanied by practical measures to address longstanding concerns about political marginalisation and perceived discrimination.

Ohanaeze argued that the Buhari administration left deep concerns among many Igbo people regarding their place in the Nigerian federation, citing controversial public remarks attributed to the former president, perceptions of unequal treatment and persistent security challenges in the Southeast.

According to the organisation, addressing these grievances is necessary to strengthen national unity and restore confidence in democratic institutions.

Ohanaeze Urges Tinubu to Address Southeast Grievances

The organisation said the escalation of separatist agitation in the Southeast must be considered alongside the political frustrations, security concerns and feelings of exclusion expressed by sections of the population.

While distancing itself from violence and unlawful activities, Ohanaeze called for justice, constructive engagement and respect for fundamental rights in addressing the underlying causes of instability.

It also stressed that protecting innocent citizens, irrespective of ethnicity or political affiliation, must remain a fundamental responsibility of the government.

Ohanaeze said Tinubu had an opportunity to distinguish his administration by pursuing a path of fairness, reconciliation and inclusive governance while demonstrating a clear commitment to the security and development of the Southeast.

It added that acknowledging past grievances would demonstrate statesmanship rather than weaken the authority of the Presidency.

Infrastructure Alone Cannot Guarantee Southeast Votes

Although acknowledging infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the Tinubu administration in the Southeast, Ohanaeze maintained that roads and other public projects alone would not erase years of political distrust or guarantee electoral support.

The organisation said infrastructure development must be accompanied by equitable political representation, economic opportunities, improved security and assurances that Ndigbo enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other Nigerians.

It urged the Presidency and the APC to engage the people of the Southeast in meaningful discussions about their political future and developmental priorities rather than treating the region merely as a source of votes during election campaigns.

According to Ohanaeze, the Southeast deserves a meaningful place in national decision-making, with its concerns treated as issues of national importance.

APC Urged to Consider Southeast Senate Presidency, Speakership

As part of its demands for greater political inclusion, Ohanaeze urged the APC to consider supporting a credible Southeast candidate for either the Senate Presidency or the Speakership of the House of Representatives in the political arrangements following the 2027 elections.

The organisation said such consideration should be subject to constitutional requirements, parliamentary procedures and the decisions of elected lawmakers.

It also called for equitable access to strategic ministerial portfolios, influential federal appointments and major infrastructure investments for the region.

Ohanaeze argued that political inclusion should go beyond symbolic recognition and provide the Southeast with meaningful opportunities to influence national policies, economic decisions and the administration of the federation.

Ohanaeze Backs Proposed Akwaete Deep-Sea Port

The organisation further called on the Federal Government to give serious consideration to the proposed deep-sea port at Akwaete in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

It urged the government to subject the project to transparent technical, commercial, environmental and financial assessments, alongside a clear framework for federal participation if the project is found viable.

According to Ohanaeze, a properly developed maritime facility could strengthen regional commerce, create jobs, expand industrial opportunities and improve Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

The organisation also renewed calls for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast, urging the government and relevant stakeholders to consider the demand through the constitutional processes prescribed for state creation.

It said the issue deserved a fair national conversation guided by equity, balanced federalism and the aspirations of the people concerned.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Case: Ohanaeze Calls for Lawful Resolution

On the case involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Ohanaeze called on the Federal Government to pursue a lawful and constructive resolution that respects judicial processes, constitutional guarantees and national security while promoting lasting peace in the Southeast.

The organisation said a responsible approach to the sensitive matter could help reduce tensions and create conditions for broader reconciliation.

It maintained, however, that any resolution must be pursued through lawful means and in accordance with relevant legal requirements.

Ohanaeze Cites 2003 Election, Warns Tinubu Against Assuming Southeast Support

Ohanaeze also referenced the 2003 presidential election, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo secured substantial support in parts of the Southeast despite the candidacy of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu under the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

The organisation said the election demonstrated that Igbo voting decisions could not be reduced to ethnic sentiment or assumed political loyalties.

It argued that Ndigbo make electoral choices based on their assessment of leadership, national interests, political inclusion and development prospects.

However, Ohanaeze cautioned against assuming that the political circumstances of 2003 would determine the outcome of the 2027 election.

It noted that Nigeria’s political landscape had evolved and that changing voter expectations, competing candidates and political alliances would influence the next presidential contest.

The organisation urged Tinubu and the APC to earn the confidence of the Southeast through credible engagement, verifiable commitments and respect for the region’s political aspirations.

It also warned against treating the Southeast’s political position as settled, stressing that electoral support must be built through performance, trust and inclusion.

Apology Must Be Backed by Concrete Commitments

Ohanaeze insisted that any presidential apology must go beyond campaign-season declarations and be accompanied by practical measures to address legitimate grievances, improve security, strengthen political representation and expand economic opportunities.

It urged the APC to engage Igbo leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, youth representatives and civil society organisations in a structured dialogue capable of producing measurable outcomes.

The organisation said its demands should not be interpreted as a request for political favours in exchange for votes, but as a call for justice, equity, responsible governance and a renewed commitment to national unity.

It maintained that Ndigbo had a legitimate interest in knowing the Federal Government’s plans for the Southeast regarding political representation, infrastructure, economic development, security and the resolution of longstanding concerns.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Ohanaeze urged Tinubu and the APC to seize the opportunity to rebuild confidence with the Southeast through sincere reconciliation, equitable governance and demonstrable action.

The organisation warned that no political party should take the patience of Ndigbo for granted or assume that electoral support was an entitlement.

It added that the future relationship between the Federal Government and Ndigbo would depend on the sincerity of reconciliation, fairness in governance and the fulfilment of credible commitments.

The statement was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary-General, of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

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