A pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Igbo Agenda Dialogue, has sent an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for urgent intervention to prevent what it described as a looming breakdown of order allegedly fuelled by desperate politicians across the country.
The letter, signed by the Convener and National Chairman of the group, Chief Chekwas Okorie, raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, which it said has begun to attract global attention.
While expressing concern, the group also commended the President for pushing initiatives aimed at establishing State Police.
Chief Okorie, a Champion Newspapers’ 2024 Award winner, warned in the letter that escalating tension and inflammatory statements by political actors could spark widespread instability, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
He referenced recent incidents involving attacks on the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, in Benin, as well as an incident involving Chief Rotimi Amaechi, describing them as provocative actions capable of triggering retaliatory violence.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation and concerned Nigerians, Chief Okorie called on the President to reassure citizens that the 2027 elections would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. He urged Tinubu to restrain overly aggressive aides and political appointees whose actions could heighten political tensions.
The letter also advised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to concentrate on issue-driven campaigns and constructive engagement with voters rather than relying on the advantages of incumbency or intimidating political opponents.
In addition, the group appealed to the President to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other prisoners of conscience on compassionate grounds as a step toward reducing tension in the Southeast.
The IAD further demanded an end to what it described as frequent arrests and detention of opposition leaders, urging authorities to instead prioritise measures that would encourage wider citizen participation in the 2027 elections.
The organisation warned that poor voter turnout—similar to what was witnessed during the recent FCT Area Council elections—could weaken the legitimacy of the outcome of the 2027 polls.
While reiterating its respect for the President, the group urged him to reflect on the judgement of history and take the recommendations seriously in order to ensure that the country approaches the 2027 elections in a peaceful and stable atmosphere.
