The Ohanaeze Ndigbo community in Lagos State has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence in his chances of securing a second term in 2027.
Speaking during a reconciliation parley convened by Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Sunday Udeh, said the group believes Tinubu remains the most experienced leader to continue steering the affairs of the nation.
The meeting, held in Lagos, focused on promoting harmony between Yoruba and Igbo residents, especially in the wake of recent demolitions in the state.
Udeh urged both ethnic groups to maintain peace and mutual respect while shunning divisive sentiments.
He lauded President Tinubu’s leadership qualities, noting that his depth of experience in governance makes him deserving of another term.
“We are not in doubt of his victory in 2027. We know our party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, will win again,” Udeh said.
The Ohanaeze leader appealed to the Lagos State Government to continue engaging the Igbo community and other ethnic groups to foster inclusiveness and unity.
He acknowledged that relations between the Igbo community and the Lagos government had been strained after the 2023 elections but expressed optimism that renewed dialogue would restore mutual trust.
“2027 is close. We know our party will take it. I am a member and will work for the party,” he added.
Also speaking, Deacon Charles Obih, National President of the Market Leaders Association of Nigeria (TMLAN), pledged the unwavering support of the Igbo business community for Tinubu’s re-election effort.
“We will mobilize our members to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election is smooth and successful by the grace of God,” Obih stated.
He described Tinubu as a capable and pragmatic leader who inherited tough national challenges but has continued to tackle them with courage and vision.
“To be frank, if God had not brought a man like him, we don’t know where this country would be today,” Obih said.
In his remarks, Dr Okey Anorue, Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo/Bayeku and Babaloja of Tejuosho Market, emphasised the need for sustained peace and understanding between the Yoruba and Igbo communities in Lagos.
“We need a peaceful environment. The Yoruba are our hosts, and we must respect their culture. When in Rome, behave like the Romans,” he said.
Anorue warned against political manipulation of ethnic sentiments ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that cooperation and respect between both groups are vital for Lagos’ continued progress.
