The South-East chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid by three governors from the region, insisting that the move does not reflect the position of Ndigbo ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party was reacting to the endorsement of President Tinubu by Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State during an APC rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
In a strongly worded statement, the ADC described the endorsement as a personal political decision that neither represents the aspirations of the South-East nor reflects the mood of Nigerians grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
The party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Sir Bon Unachukwu, said the governors lacked the mandate to speak on behalf of Ndigbo, arguing that their support for Tinubu amounted to an endorsement of policies that have worsened living conditions across the country.
According to him, millions of Nigerians continue to face rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity and an escalating cost-of-living crisis, making any endorsement of the current administration difficult to justify.
“Ndigbo cannot endorse failure, and Nigerians cannot reward suffering with another term in office,” Unachukwu said.
The ADC further accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting the South-East, citing concerns over infrastructure deficits, slow progress on major federal road projects and what it described as inadequate representation of the region in key national appointments.
The party argued that despite repeated promises of inclusion, the region has not received the level of attention and investment necessary to address longstanding developmental challenges.
Unachukwu also expressed concern over growing frustration among young people in the South-East, saying thousands remain unemployed and disillusioned amid worsening economic conditions.
He maintained that political leaders should focus on addressing pressing social and economic problems rather than engaging in early election campaigns designed to secure political advantage.
The endorsement by the three governors came days after Governor Soludo urged the South-East to move from what he called an “alliance of protest” to an “alliance for progress and prosperity,” while openly backing President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
But the ADC insists the governors’ position remains their personal political choice and should not be mistaken for a regional consensus.
As political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections begin to take shape, the disagreement highlights growing competition for influence in the South-East, a region expected to play a significant role in the next presidential contest.
