The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed strong support for ongoing infrastructural projects in Nigeria’s Southeast region under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as critical to the economic revival and long-term development of the area.
In a statement issued by its Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Thompson Ohia, the group emphasised that the Igbo people place higher priority on tangible infrastructure development than political proposals such as a single-term presidency, reportedly advocated by Peter Obi.
According to the organisation, the current administration’s focus on infrastructure reflects a practical understanding of the Southeast’s developmental needs, particularly in addressing longstanding deficits that have hindered economic growth in the region.
Ohanaeze highlighted several key projects it described as transformative, including the dredging of the Calabar Seaport, the proposed establishment of a Deep Sea Port at Blue River in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, and the reopening of the standard gauge railway line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
The group noted that these projects have the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities, not only for the Southeast but also for the South-South and the wider Nigerian economy. It argued that decades of neglect by successive governments had prevented the region from fully harnessing its commercial and industrial potential.
“The administration of President Tinubu has demonstrated a clear understanding of the Igbo people’s urgent need for the completion of these critical infrastructural projects,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze further stressed that the projects go beyond basic infrastructure, describing them as part of a broader strategy for economic revitalisation. The group drew historical parallels to the economic achievements of the former Eastern Region under the leadership of Michael Okpara in the 1960s, a period widely regarded as one of rapid industrial and agricultural growth.
It stated that the completion of these projects could help restore the Southeast to a position of economic prominence, similar to what was achieved during that era. According to the group, such development is essential for improving trade, boosting industrialisation, and creating employment opportunities for the region’s population.
In addition, the organisation commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for what it described as his commitment to ensuring the successful execution of federal infrastructure projects in the region. It noted that sustained political will and effective implementation would be key to achieving the desired outcomes.
While endorsing the infrastructure drive, Ohanaeze was critical of the single-term presidency proposal attributed to Peter Obi. The group argued that such a political arrangement does not address the immediate developmental challenges facing the Southeast and lacks concrete benefits for the region.
“Such a proposal, based on a premise of personal ambition rather than regional development, holds no promise for the Southeast in terms of meaningful infrastructure development or economic recovery,” the statement said.
The organisation also pointed out that the Igbo people have yet to produce a democratically elected Executive President of Nigeria since independence in 1960. However, it maintained that pursuing infrastructural and economic development should take precedence over political ambitions that may not yield tangible benefits.
According to Ohanaeze, the current wave of federal projects represents a more impactful and far-reaching opportunity for the region than any individual quest for political office. It urged political actors of Igbo extraction who may be considering presidential bids ahead of the 2027 elections to reassess their priorities in light of ongoing development efforts.
The group further emphasised the importance of unity and strategic focus among stakeholders in the Southeast, noting that collective progress would be better achieved through collaboration with ongoing federal initiatives rather than divisive political pursuits.
Analysts say the statement reflects a broader debate within the region about the balance between political representation and economic development. While calls for greater political inclusion at the national level remain strong, there is also growing recognition of the need for infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable growth.
Observers also note that Ohanaeze’s position could influence political alignments in the Southeast as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape. By endorsing federal projects and downplaying alternative political proposals, the group appears to be signalling a pragmatic approach focused on immediate developmental gains.
Nevertheless, differing views are expected to persist, particularly among supporters of various political figures and ideologies. The intersection of infrastructure development and political ambition is likely to remain a key theme in the region’s discourse in the coming months.
For now, Ohanaeze’s endorsement of the Tinubu administration’s projects underscores the significance of infrastructure as a unifying priority for the Southeast, even as debates over political strategy and representation continue to evolve.
