Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to clarify his administration’s plans for the Southeast ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that support from the region’s governors does not automatically guarantee Igbo votes.

The organisation also called for concrete action on infrastructure, security, political representation and constitutional equity, insisting that Ndigbo deserve measurable commitments rather than political assurances.

In an official press release dated October 26, 2026, and signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze questioned the Federal Government’s commitments to the region.

“What does the APC-led Federal Government have on the table for Ndigbo?” the organisation asked, urging Tinubu to address the Southeast directly on his administration’s plans and achievements.

Ohanaeze Questions Governors’ Ability to Deliver Igbo Votes

Ohanaeze argued that the continued Monday sit-at-home disruption across parts of the Southeast, despite efforts by state governors to end it, raises questions about the effectiveness of existing political and security strategies.

The organisation warned Tinubu against relying exclusively on Southeast governors to secure electoral support, noting that political endorsements by elected officials do not necessarily reflect the choices of voters.

It cited the 2015 presidential election, when former President Goodluck Jonathan lost his re-election bid despite having the support of several political allies and governors, as a reminder that electoral outcomes cannot be guaranteed through elite political arrangements.

According to Ohanaeze, many people in the Southeast remain dissatisfied with what it described as insufficiently forceful advocacy by their governors on issues affecting the region.

It urged the governors to demonstrate greater commitment to engaging the Federal Government on infrastructure, economic development, security, constitutional equity and political representation.

Aba–Maiduguri Railway, Azumiri Seaport Demands

The organisation acknowledged ongoing federal road construction and rehabilitation projects in the Southeast under the supervision of the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.

However, it maintained that road projects alone would not address all the region’s development concerns.

Ohanaeze called on the Federal Government to clarify the status of the proposed Aba–Maiduguri standard-gauge railway, which it said had received Federal Executive Council approval and financing arrangements.

It urged the administration to explain the outstanding requirements, implementation timetable and steps toward commencing the project.

The organisation also renewed its demand for the development of a deep seaport at Azumiri Blue River in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to Ohanaeze, the proposed seaport could expand commercial activities, create employment opportunities, support industrialisation and improve access to international trade.

It called on the Federal Government to state its position on the project and provide clear information about its prospects.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Case, Security and Reconciliation

On security and national reconciliation, Ohanaeze questioned what it described as unequal treatment in the handling of different security-related cases.

The organisation called for clarification of the Federal Government’s approach to the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram members and its position on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case.

It argued that justice, due process, national reconciliation and equal treatment under the law should receive serious consideration, while acknowledging that individual cases must be handled within the applicable legal framework.

Ohanaeze also stressed the need for effective security measures and a comprehensive strategy to restore public confidence and normal economic activities in the Southeast.

Southeast Deserves an Additional State, Says Ohanaeze

The organisation further urged Tinubu and the National Assembly to give serious attention to the longstanding demand for an additional state in the Southeast.

It argued that the region’s five-state structure, compared with six states in each of the other geopolitical zones, raises questions of constitutional equity and political representation.

Ohanaeze maintained that the demand should not be indefinitely ignored and called for a more deliberate national conversation on the issue.

Calls for Igbo Inclusion in Federal Legislative Leadership

On political representation, Ohanaeze advocated greater consideration of qualified representatives from Igbo-speaking communities in discussions concerning the highest leadership positions in the National Assembly.

The organisation noted that Tinubu is from the Southwest, while Vice President Kashim Shettima is from the Northeast, and argued that equity and inclusiveness should remain important considerations in national political arrangements.

It specifically called for serious consideration of the Southeast in discussions concerning the offices of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The organisation also urged political stakeholders to recognise the wider Igbo-speaking population, including communities in Anioma, Delta State, and Ikwerre, Rivers State, in conversations about political inclusion and national integration.

It acknowledged, however, that legislative leadership positions are determined through constitutional procedures and the choices of elected lawmakers.

2027: Ohanaeze Warns Against Assuming Igbo Votes Are Guaranteed

As the 2027 general elections approach, Ohanaeze insisted that voters in the Southeast must be free to make their electoral choices without intimidation, manipulation or electoral malpractice.

It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and other relevant institutions to safeguard the electoral process and ensure that every lawful vote counts.

The organisation warned that no political party, governor or individual should assume that Ndigbo’s votes are automatically guaranteed.

According to Ohanaeze, electoral confidence must be built through responsive governance, credible commitments, visible development and respectful engagement with the electorate.

It urged Tinubu to provide clear answers on the proposed railway, the Azumiri deep seaport, security and reconciliation, the demand for an additional state, and the region’s place in Nigeria’s political structure.

The organisation concluded that the Southeast deserves answers and measurable commitments rather than assumptions and political promises.

It challenged the President to demonstrate through transparent policies and practical action how his administration intends to address the region’s concerns before seeking its support in 2027.

“What does President Tinubu have on the table for Ndigbo?” remains the central question Ohanaeze says the Federal Government must answer as the next presidential election approaches.

Source: Official press release issued by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on October 26, 2026.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more