Apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has ruled out any presidential bid from the Southeast in 2027, affirming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
The group said the possibility of an Igbo president could only be realised in 2035, not in 2027.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abakaliki and signed by the Deputy President General of the Ohanaeze faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia.
According to the statement, the decision followed a crucial meeting with Southeast political leaders, Imeobi, and Nzukoumunna, where it was resolved that no Igboman will contest against Tinubu in 2027.
The organisation said the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most viable platform to actualise the Igbo presidency, provided the zoning arrangement is altered in 2035.
It also described Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as the leading candidate from the region.
Ohanaeze noted that other prominent leaders like Peter Obi, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Pius Anyim, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Rochas Okorocha, and Umahi all possess the capacity to transform Nigeria, but stressed that Umahi stands out.
The statement further disclosed that the group has resolved to back Tinubu’s second term bid, predicting that about 95 per cent of Igbo votes will go to him.
They said: “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it paramount to convey a forthright and compelling message not only to the Ndigbo but to the entirety of the Nigerian populace.
“We assert, with unwavering candor and respect, that the goal of achieving an Igbo presidency is indeed realizable and sets forth as a compelling objective for the year 2035.
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“In this decisive endeavor, we highlight Senator David Umahi as the eminent candidate in a distinguished ensemble of Igbo leaders, which prominently includes Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Okowa, Pius Anyim, Hope Uzodinma, Chukwuma Soludo, and Rochas Okorocha.
“It is imperative to recognize that the most practicable political vehicle for the pursuit of the Igbo presidency lies within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Our communal ambition to secure the presidency for an individual of Igbo descent depends fundamentally upon forging strategic alliances and establishing a foundation of mutual trust with Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
“Following extensive consultations and dialogues, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in collaboration with Southeast political leaders, has reached a unanimous and resolute conclusion that Igbo people will not field presidential candidates in the 2027 elections against the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Given these realities, we hereby affirm our unwavering support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, projecting that approximately 95% of Igbo votes will rally behind this cause.
“Our region boasts a rich array of capable presidential aspirants, including Senator David Umahi, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Pius Anyim, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, among others.
“Each of these distinguished individuals possesses the requisite capabilities to catalyze transformative change in Nigeria’s fortunes and elevate our nation to a position of economic preeminence in Africa.
“Among this illustrious cadre, Senator David Umahi distinctly emerges as the most qualified contender for the Igbo presidency in 2035 because his extensive record of achievements as a state governor, Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, and his dedicated service as a Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria uniquely position him to spearhead this essential endeavor.
“As we contemplate the future, it is anticipated that the rotation of power in Nigeria will revert to the Northern region subsequent to the conclusion of President Tinubu’s tenure in 2031, and consequently, the year 2035 represents a historic opportunity for the Southeast to produce the first Nigerian president of Igbo descent.”