The Global Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has formally called on the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to initiate a structured political dialogue with the Igbo people ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization emphasized the urgency of an open, honest, and mutually beneficial renegotiation of the political and developmental relationship between the Federal Government and the South-East region. The demand was issued jointly by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary-General, underscoring the collective stance of the pan-Igbo group.
Ohanaeze stressed that Ndigbo have the right to know what is being planned for them before the next electoral cycle. The group stated that the South-East cannot be expected to participate in another election based on vague promises, political rhetoric, or assumptions. It insisted that the Igbo people have legitimate interests in political representation, economic development, infrastructure, and constitutional rights that must be addressed transparently by the federal authorities.
The organization clarified that its call is not for political favoritism but for clarity, accountability, and genuine negotiation. It urged the Federal Government to clearly outline its position on key issues affecting the South-East, including equitable political representation, state creation, rail connectivity, maritime development, economic integration, national reconciliation, and the region’s future within Nigeria’s federation. These concerns, according to Ohanaeze, are central to the well-being and dignity of the Igbo people.
Political engagement, the group argued, only becomes meaningful when both parties understand what is being offered, what is being requested, and what can realistically be delivered. The issue of equitable political and administrative representation, in particular, remains a pressing national concern that requires ongoing constitutional dialogue. Ohanaeze specifically asked the Federal Government to declare whether it supports the creation of an additional state in the South-East, a long-standing demand from the region.
The statement highlighted that the current political climate demands proactive steps toward inclusivity and fairness. Without clear communication and concrete actions, the group warned, mistrust and disenchantment may deepen among the Igbo populace. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the call for dialogue signals a desire for stability, equity, and shared national progress. This move by Ohanaeze underscores the importance of inclusive governance and could influence how the Federal Government engages with minority groups in the coming years.
Leave a Comment