By Seyi Odewale
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has declared that infrastructure development in the South-East should take precedence over political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on April 22 and signed by its Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Thompson Ohia, the group said ongoing projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are “far more critical to the socio-economic advancement of Ndigbo” than the proposed single-term presidency of former Anambra governor Peter Obi.
Ohanaeze stressed that completing federal road projects and reviving key economic infrastructure across the South-East and South-South would deliver lasting benefits to the region.
“It is in the collective interest of Ndigbo to prioritise the fulfilment of ongoing road projects and revive the Old Eastern Economic Corridor,” the statement said.
The group highlighted strategic projects, including the dredging of the Calabar Seaport, a proposed deep-seaport in Ukwa East, and the revival of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway line, describing them as critical to unlocking economic growth.
It lamented that the railway corridor has remained inactive for decades, noting that “successive governments failed to restore this vital infrastructure.”
Ohanaeze said the Tinubu administration has shown “a clear understanding of the Igbo people’s urgent infrastructural needs,” adding that such projects represent “a holistic economic revival.”
The organisation also praised Minister of Works Dave Umahi for his commitment to delivering federal roads in the region.
“For over 66 years, Ndigbo have suffered poor infrastructure, leading to economic losses and tragic consequences,” it said.
The group further rejected Obi’s single-term proposal, arguing it “holds no promise for meaningful infrastructure development or economic recovery.”
Ohanaeze urged South-East politicians, including Obi and former Rivers governor Chibuike Amaechi, to reconsider any 2027 presidential ambitions.
“The urgent need for infrastructural development must take precedence over any individual’s quest for power,” the statement added.
