By Chukwudi Obasi
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has challenged President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to spell out what they are prepared to offer the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Ndigbo must know the administration’s concrete political and developmental commitments before making their choices.
The group said the time had come to move beyond broad political assurances and enter into a structured dialogue with Ndigbo on issues ranging from infrastructure and economic development to political inclusion, constitutional reforms and national reconciliation.
The position was contained in a statement on Monday by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, and Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Ohanaeze said the central question confronting the Federal Government was straightforward: “What exactly is on the table for the South-East?”
According to the organisation, Ndigbo could not be expected to make informed political choices ahead of 2027 without knowing the policy commitments, development priorities and political arrangements being contemplated for the region.
It identified five major issues requiring urgent clarification from the Tinubu administration: the creation of an additional state in the South-East, commencement of the proposed Aba–Maiduguri standard-gauge railway, establishment of a deep-sea port in the region, possible presidential clemency for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and greater political representation for Ndigbo.
On the proposed sixth state, Ohanaeze called for the Federal Government to clearly state whether it supports the long-standing demand, arguing that the issue should form part of a broader constitutional and national conversation.
The group also demanded a definite timeline for the Aba–Maiduguri standard-gauge railway, stressing that announcements must be followed by funding, commencement and completion.
It similarly urged the Federal Government to give serious consideration to a deep-sea port at Azumini Blue River in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arguing that the project could significantly expand trade, manufacturing, logistics, employment and revenue generation in the South-East.
On Kanu, Ohanaeze asked the Presidency to clarify whether President Tinubu was considering the exercise of his prerogative of mercy, saying the issue should be approached within the framework of justice, peace, national reconciliation and security.
The organisation also demanded greater political inclusion for Ndigbo, insisting that representation should extend beyond appointments to meaningful participation in national decision-making.
Ohanaeze acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure initiatives in the South-East but said the projects should be accompanied by a broader political and economic engagement with the region.
It warned that the South-East’s electoral history showed why its political preferences could not be taken for granted, particularly after the 2023 presidential election in which the Labour Party overwhelmingly dominated the zone.
Ohanaeze therefore urged the Federal Government to begin negotiations before the electoral calendar becomes compressed.
The organisation said “2027 must be built on conversation, not assumption,” stressing that political engagement should be based on reciprocal commitments rather than expectations that previous voting patterns would automatically be repeated.
It said the objective was not confrontation but clarity, accountability and a transparent conversation capable of producing measurable commitments before the 2027 elections.
