Ahead of the 2027 presidential polls, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the region’s consensus candidate.
According to the group, the endorsement will be officially declared on Friday, May 23, 2025, during President Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Abia State.
Truthlive News reports that the state is known as a traditional stronghold of the opposition Labour Party (LP).
In a statement jointly signed by Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, it disclosed that the decision follows months of extensive consultations with Southeast governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, youth and women’s organizations.
“This historic consensus signifies the Southeast’s deliberate pivot away from a decade of opposition politics into strategic national alignment under President Tinubu,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the group stated that the endorsement marks a definitive break from the region’s traditional support for opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the Labour Party (LP)—particularly during the 2015–2025 period.
As part of its campaign strategy, Ohanaeze announced the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works and former Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, as the lead coordinator for President Tinubu’s campaign across the Southeast.
“Senator Umahi’s leadership and commitment to infrastructure development make him the right choice to mobilize the Southeast in support of Tinubu’s re-election,” the group stated.
Ohanaeze dismissed the opposition’s capacity to mount a serious challenge in 2027, particularly criticizing LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, for what they described as “underwhelming delivery on promises to Ndigbo.”
In a show of unity, all five Southeast governors, regardless of political affiliation—are expected to attend the May 23 event in Abia, signalling what the group describes as “a historic transition” for the region.
“This is more than a political endorsement. It is a clarion call for unity, resilience, and regional advancement,” Ohia said.