The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that no Igbo candidate will contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the Southeast must wait until 2035 to realistically achieve its long-sought ambition of producing Nigeria’s president.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze revealed that the decision followed a crucial meeting with Southeast political leaders, Imeobi, and Nzukoumunna, where it was unanimously resolved that the region would not present a presidential challenger in 2027.
The group emphasized that the most viable route for realizing the Igbo presidency lies within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly if the zoning arrangement is altered in the future. Among the notable Igbo leaders, they spotlighted Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as the most outstanding prospect to lead the country when the opportunity arises.
While acknowledging other prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Pius Anyim, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and Senator Rochas Okorocha, Ohanaeze noted that each of them has the competence to drive transformative change, but identified Umahi as the best positioned candidate for 2035.
Backing Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the group projected that about 95% of Igbo votes would go to the president in 2027, describing their endorsement as both strategic and a pathway to national stability.
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.
“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.”
