A faction of the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, says it has begun strategic moves aimed at securing the presidency for the Southeast in the 2031 general elections.
The position was made known in a statement released on Sunday, May 24, by the group under the leadership of Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, alongside Chief Thompson Ohia, who serves as Deputy President General and National Spokesperson.
According to the statement, leaders of the organisation concluded after extensive consultations that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 would serve the broader interests of the Igbo people.
The group explained that the strategy is designed to strengthen the Southeast’s chances of producing the Vice President under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2031, while also enabling the region to benefit maximally from federal government programmes and projects.
It further revealed that the resolution was reached in collaboration with the Southeast Governors’ Forum, the Forum of Former Governors, and serving ministers from the region during a meeting held in January 2026.
“These decisions emphasised that no Igbo candidate, including Mr. Peter Obi, should challenge President Tinubu in 2027.
“This strategic restraint is intended to allow the federal government to complete ongoing infrastructure projects, create additional states in the Southeast, and implement policies that enhance economic development in the region,” the statement read.
The faction also congratulated President Tinubu following his emergence as the APC presidential candidate during the party primaries conducted nationwide.
“We also congratulate Southeast governors who secured re-election in 2027, with special commendation to Rt. Hon. Kingsley O. Chinda of Rivers State for clinching the APC gubernatorial ticket,” the statement said.
It added: “Strategic negotiations have commenced with key political stakeholders, including the Presidency, to ensure that upon the completion of President Tinubu’s tenure in 2031, a committed Igbo leader emerges as Vice President. Prospective candidates of exceptional calibre include Senator Dave Nweze Umahi and Chimaroke Nnamani.”
