Ohanaeze warns Tinubu: Southeast governors’ endorsement now irrelevant

DDM News

Prominent Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu not to rely on political endorsements or the defection of governors as he strategizes for the 2027 presidential elections.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this warning was issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement published by Daily Independent.

According to Isiguzoro, political endorsements from Southeast governors hold little value in today’s political climate and do not reflect the true sentiments of the people.

He stated that such political manoeuvres are often driven by personal interest and not rooted in genuine public support.

He further recalled that a similar strategy failed former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, resulting in his defeat at the polls.

Isiguzoro warned that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections would not be determined by elite endorsements or political realignments, but rather by the government’s ability to address widespread hunger and poverty.

He stressed that many Nigerians are growing weary of unfulfilled promises, and only sincere, people-focused leadership can win their trust.

He also expressed concern that the Southeast is in danger of political marginalization.

He accused opposition forces of trying to sabotage President Tinubu’s support base in the region.

However, he asserted that the influence of Southeast governors has drastically weakened, and their endorsements no longer resonate with the grassroots population.

He noted that the true political voice of the Southeast now lies with Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators.

According to him, these groups have strong grassroots support and possess the capacity to mobilize people across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Isiguzoro urged the Presidency to acknowledge this shift in influence and commence honest and constructive dialogue with these peaceful agitators.

He warned that ignoring these voices could backfire and jeopardize Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections.

He emphasized that only genuine engagement and national inclusivity could bring peace, unity, and electoral success.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex socio-political organization representing the interests of the Igbo people in Nigeria and the diaspora.

The group has often acted as a political conscience of the Southeast region, especially in matters relating to equity, national inclusion, and federal representation.

In recent years, the Southeast has expressed growing dissatisfaction with perceived marginalization, especially regarding appointments and development.

This discontent has given rise to both violent and nonviolent separatist movements, including those advocating for Biafra.

While the government has taken a hard stance against armed separatist groups, there has been a push by civil actors and cultural leaders for engagement with nonviolent voices in the region.

Ohanaeze’s recent statement reflects growing unease within the region and sends a strong message to the Presidency that electoral strategies must shift from political theatrics to people-centered governance.

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