In a historic move that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, governors, ministers, and prominent political leaders from the South-East, alongside the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their consensus candidate for the 2027 general elections. The announcement, described as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history, was formalized in a communiqué issued on Monday, September 29, 2025, following the conclusion of the 2025 annual Igbo Day celebration. The week-long event, themed “Igbo Ekunie: The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise,” culminated in a grand finale in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and has sparked widespread discussion about its implications for national unity, regional development, and Nigeria’s political future.
The endorsement represents a significant shift in the South-East’s political strategy, signaling a deliberate move toward alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a departure from decades of perceived marginalization. The communiqué, signed by notable Igbo leaders including Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Chief Chinenyeze, Prof. Nneoma Ukpabi, and Chief Alex Okemiri, outlined a vision for unity, economic revitalization, and collaboration with President Tinubu’s administration. It also addressed long-standing historical grievances, particularly the 73-year-old political rift between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups, rooted in the 1952 crisis of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). The leaders declared that this era of rivalry is over, paving the way for a new chapter in inter-ethnic relations.
The Igbo Day Celebration: A Platform for Unity and Reflection
The 2025 Igbo Day celebration was a vibrant display of cultural pride, political strategy, and spiritual unity across the seven Igbo-speaking states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers. The week-long series of events, held from September 23 to September 29, 2025, was designed to rekindle the Igbo spirit of excellence and enterprise, drawing thousands of participants from within Nigeria and the diaspora. The theme, “Igbo Ekunie,” emphasized the need for collective action to address the region’s socio-economic challenges while celebrating its cultural heritage and contributions to national development.
Activities during the celebration included cultural exhibitions, academic symposia, youth empowerment programs, and interfaith prayers aimed at fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the South-East. On September 26, a significant interfaith prayer session was held at the Afikpo Central Mosque in Ebonyi State, bringing together Muslim and Christian leaders in a rare display of religious harmony. The following day, September 27, another prayer session took place at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, focusing on spiritual renewal and regional unity. The week concluded with a global service on September 28 at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt, where participants from across the globe joined in prayers for Nigeria’s progress and the South-East’s economic resurgence.
The grand finale in Port Harcourt on September 29 was a colorful event attended by governors, federal and state lawmakers, traditional rulers, business leaders, and members of the Igbo diaspora. The event featured keynote addresses, cultural performances, and the presentation of awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Igbo community. The communiqué issued at the close of the celebration served as the capstone, articulating the South-East’s political and developmental aspirations while formally endorsing President Tinubu.
Healing a 73-Year-Old Rift: The NCNC Crisis and Its Legacy
A central theme of the communiqué was the resolution to end the 73-year-old political rift between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups, which traces its origins to the 1952 crisis within the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). The NCNC, a prominent political party during Nigeria’s pre-independence era, was led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a revered Igbo statesman and Nigeria’s first President. In 1952, Azikiwe’s ambition to become the Premier of the Western Region was thwarted by internal party dynamics and regional power struggles, particularly with Yoruba leaders within the NCNC and the rival Action Group (AG) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The crisis deepened ethnic divisions, fostering a sense of mistrust between the Igbo and Yoruba that persisted through Nigeria’s turbulent political history, including the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and subsequent decades of political marginalization of the South-East. The communiqué acknowledged this historical wound, declaring that “the era of rivalry must end” and calling for a new era of collaboration based on mutual respect and shared goals. The endorsement of President Tinubu, a Yoruba leader, was framed as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, signaling the South-East’s willingness to forge stronger ties with the South-West and work within the national framework for collective progress.
This move has been met with mixed reactions. Some analysts view it as a pragmatic step toward political integration and access to federal resources, while others, particularly younger Igbo activists, argue that it risks diluting the region’s political autonomy and bargaining power. Nonetheless, the leaders’ emphasis on burying historical grievances underscores their commitment to a forward-looking agenda that prioritizes development over division.
Praise for Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments
The communiqué lauded President Tinubu for his administration’s efforts to include the South-East in major national infrastructure projects, particularly the N5 trillion national road development programme led by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and a prominent Igbo leader, has been a key figure in Tinubu’s cabinet, overseeing ambitious road rehabilitation and construction projects aimed at improving connectivity across Nigeria. The South-East, long plagued by poor road networks, has benefited from several of these initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the construction of new arterial roads in Anambra and Imo States.
The leaders highlighted the transformative potential of these projects, noting that improved infrastructure is critical to unlocking the South-East’s economic potential as a hub for trade, agriculture, and industry. They also praised Tinubu’s broader economic reforms, including efforts to stabilize the naira and attract foreign investment, which they believe could create opportunities for Igbo entrepreneurs and businesses.
However, the communiqué was not without demands. The leaders called for the revival of several stalled regional projects, including the Enugu Coal Mine, the Azumiri Seaport in Abia State, and the Ivo Dam in Ebonyi State. These projects, they argued, are essential for industrial growth, job creation, and energy security in the South-East. The Enugu Coal Mine, once a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, has been dormant for decades, and its revival could position the region as a key player in the energy sector. Similarly, the Azumiri Seaport, if developed, could reduce the South-East’s reliance on distant ports in Lagos and Port Harcourt, boosting trade and reducing transportation costs for businesses.
The leaders also emphasized the urgent need for the swift completion of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway, a mega-project aimed at connecting Nigeria’s South-South, South-East, and North-East regions. The railway, which has been under construction for several years, is seen as a game-changer for economic integration, enabling the efficient movement of goods and people across Nigeria’s diverse regions. The communiqué urged the federal government to prioritize its completion, citing its potential to stimulate trade and reduce regional disparities.
A Pledge of “Total Support” Until 2031
Perhaps the most striking element of the communiqué was the South-East leaders’ pledge of “total support for Asiwaju President Tinubu’s uninterrupted presidency until 2031.” This statement implies a commitment to back Tinubu not only for a second term in 2027 but also throughout his potential eight-year tenure, assuming he wins re-election. The leaders further declared that they would suspend support for opposition candidates in future elections, a move that has raised eyebrows among political observers.
This pledge reflects a strategic calculation by South-East leaders to align with the APC, which has dominated Nigeria’s political landscape since 2015. The region has historically leaned toward opposition parties, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and, more recently, the Labour Party, which gained significant traction in the South-East during the 2023 elections. However, the leaders’ decision to back Tinubu suggests a recognition that aligning with the ruling party could yield greater access to federal patronage, infrastructure funding, and political appointments for the region.
Critics, however, warn that this strategy could alienate sections of the Igbo electorate, particularly younger voters who have expressed frustration with the APC’s handling of security and economic challenges. The South-East has been grappling with insecurity, including attacks by armed groups and separatist agitations, which some argue have not been adequately addressed by the federal government. The endorsement of Tinubu, therefore, may be seen as a controversial move in a region with a complex political history.
Implications for 2027 and Beyond
The endorsement of President Tinubu by South-East leaders and Ohanaeze Ndigbo has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political dynamics. First, it strengthens Tinubu’s position as a frontrunner for the 2027 elections, potentially consolidating his support base in a region that has traditionally been an opposition stronghold. The South-East’s five states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—represent a significant voting bloc, and their support could bolster Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.
Second, the endorsement signals a broader effort to integrate the South-East into Nigeria’s mainstream political and economic systems. For decades, the region has felt marginalized, with limited representation in key federal positions and inadequate infrastructure development. By aligning with Tinubu, South-East leaders are betting on a partnership that could address these grievances and bring tangible benefits to the region.
Third, the resolution to end the Igbo-Yoruba rift could pave the way for stronger inter-ethnic alliances, not only between the South-East and South-West but also with other regions. Nigeria’s ethnic diversity has often been a source of tension, but it also presents opportunities for collaboration. The communiqué’s emphasis on unity and reconciliation could serve as a model for other regions seeking to bridge historical divides.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the endorsement is a bold step, it comes with challenges. The South-East’s alignment with the APC may face resistance from segments of the population that remain loyal to opposition parties or skeptical of Tinubu’s policies. The region’s youth, in particular, have been vocal about their desire for systemic change, including greater autonomy and economic opportunities. Addressing these concerns will be critical to sustaining the momentum generated by the Igbo Day celebration and the endorsement.
On the other hand, the endorsement presents opportunities for the South-East to assert its influence within the APC and the federal government. By positioning themselves as key allies of Tinubu, Igbo leaders may gain leverage to push for policies and projects that benefit the region. The focus on infrastructure, such as the Enugu Coal Mine and Azumiri Seaport, aligns with the region’s long-term economic goals and could attract investment from both domestic and international sources.
Conclusion
The endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by South-East leaders and Ohanaeze Ndigbo marks a turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape. The 2025 Igbo Day celebration, with its theme of reawakening the Igbo spirit, provided a platform for the region to articulate its aspirations and chart a new course for political engagement. By resolving to end the 73-year-old Igbo-Yoruba rift, demanding the revival of critical infrastructure projects, and pledging support for Tinubu until 2031, the South-East has signaled its readiness to play a central role in Nigeria’s future.
As the 2027 elections approach, the impact of this endorsement will become clearer. For now, it represents a bold and strategic move by South-East leaders to bridge historical divides, secure developmental gains, and position the region as a key player in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on the Tinubu administration’s ability to deliver on its promises and the South-East’s capacity to sustain unity and purpose in the years ahead.
