Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress to apologise to the Igbo over alleged discrimination, political marginalisation and insecurity during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group said the 2027 presidential election offered Tinubu an opportunity to rebuild trust with the Southeast by addressing long-standing grievances and demonstrating a stronger commitment to the region’s political representation and development.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.
The organisation said the Buhari administration left many Igbo people feeling excluded from the Nigerian federation, citing controversial remarks attributed to the former president, perceptions of unequal treatment and persistent security challenges in the Southeast.
It argued that the grievances needed to be addressed if the country was to strengthen national unity and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
Ohanaeze also linked the growth of separatist agitation in the region to political frustrations, security concerns and feelings of exclusion among sections of the population.
While distancing itself from violence and unlawful activities, the group urged the Federal Government to address the underlying issues through justice, dialogue and respect for fundamental rights.
It said protecting innocent citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or political affiliation, remained a core responsibility of the government.
“President Tinubu has an opportunity to distinguish his administration by pursuing a different path—one defined by fairness, reconciliation, inclusive governance, and a demonstrable commitment to the security and development of the Southeast,” the statement said.
The group added that acknowledging past grievances would not weaken the Presidency but demonstrate the leadership required to unite the country.
Ohanaeze seeks stronger political representation
Beyond the demand for an apology, Ohanaeze called for greater political inclusion for the Southeast, arguing that infrastructure projects alone would not erase years of distrust or guarantee electoral support for the APC.
It said the region needed fair political representation, economic opportunities, improved security and equal access to national resources.
The organisation warned the ruling party against treating the Southeast merely as a source of votes during election campaigns without giving the region a meaningful role in national decision-making.
It urged the APC to consider supporting a credible Southeast candidate for either the Senate presidency or the Speakership of the House of Representatives in the political arrangements after the 2027 elections.
The group, however, acknowledged that any such arrangement would have to comply with constitutional requirements, parliamentary procedures and the decisions of elected lawmakers.
It also demanded equitable access to strategic ministerial portfolios, influential federal appointments and major infrastructure projects, insisting that political inclusion should translate into real influence over national policies and economic decisions.
Group seeks deep-sea port in Abia
Ohanaeze further called on the Federal Government to consider the proposed deep-sea port at Akwaete in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
It urged the government to subject the project to transparent technical, commercial, environmental and financial assessments, with a clear framework for federal participation if it proves viable.
The organisation said sustained engagement with the Southeast would require more than election-related promises, urging Tinubu and the APC to address the region’s concerns through concrete political and developmental commitments ahead of the 2027 polls.
