By CHARLES ONYEKWERE
The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has disclosed that prominent stakeholders across the Southeast geo-political zone have concluded plans to adopt President Bola Tinubu as the sole consensus Presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Ohanaeze said this momentous declaration is scheduled is on Friday, May 23, 2025, coinciding with President Tinubu’s official visit to Abia State, a stronghold of Nigeria’s opposition Labour Party, LP.
The Pan-lgbo body stated that the historic consensus has been meticulously cultivated through extensive consultations with a diverse array of key stakeholders, including Southeast Governors, revered traditional rulers, esteemed religious leaders, and representatives from various youth, women’s groups, and civil society organizations throughout the region.
A statement issued on Monday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro’ and Thompson Ohia, Spokesperson, said the collective decision reached by Ohanaeze and South-east stakeholders diverts from a historical trajectory and signifies a resolute desire to align with the mainstream national leadership under Tinubu.
According to the statement, It heralds the official termination of the Southeast’s historical affiliation with opposition parties, including the PDP, APGA, and LP, a decisive step towards reorientation that encapsulates an era marked by opposition from 2015 to 2025 and transitions into collaboration with the APC.
It read “ln this spirit of unity and progress, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Southeast stakeholders have designated Senator David Umahi, the esteemed Minister of Works and former Chairman of Southeast Governors, to serve as the lead coordinator for President Tinubu’s campaign across the Southeast.
“Senator Umahi’s proven leadership capabilities and commitment to development render him an ideal choice for this crucial role. Ohanaeze expresses its unequivocal confidence in his ability to galvanize support, foster collaboration, and secure a resounding victory for President Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
“Furthermore, we underscore that any coalition of opposition politicians presently lacks the requisite capacity to challenge a sitting president of the stature and capabilities of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“With forthright conviction, we declare that the Southeast shall no longer remain shackled to ineffective opposition, particularly under the leadership of Mr. Peter Obi, whose tenure has not delivered on the promises to our people.
“On that significant day of May 23, 2025, during President Tinubu’s scheduled visit, we anticipate the collective presence of all Southeast Governors—regardless of their political affiliations—representing the APC, PDP, LP, and APGA.
“This unprecedented gathering will not merely serve to solidify our endorsement of President Tinubu as the Southeast’s sole candidate, but will also symbolize a historic transition away from a decade of supporting opposition leadership that has conspicuously failed to advance the interests and aspirations of our people.
“We invite all stakeholders and citizens of the Southeast to engage earnestly in this transformative journey, uniting our voices and efforts to ensure that Ndigbo continue to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national narrative.
“This is not merely a political endorsement; it is a clarion call for renewed commitment, resilience, and aspirations that will uplift our region and nation at large.