The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that no individual of Igbo descent will contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The group stated that the Southeast region’s quest for the Nigerian presidency is now strategically projected for 2035.
This position was disclosed in a statement issued over the weekend in Abakaliki, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Chief Thompson Ohia, the group’s National Spokesman.
They explained that the decision followed a high-level consultative meeting involving Southeast political leaders, the Imeobi, and Nzukoumunna.
According to the statement, the Southeast will not field a presidential candidate in 2027, signaling a rejection of any proposed one-term arrangement. The group emphasized that the pursuit of an Igbo presidency is best aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2035, contingent on potential adjustments to the party’s zoning arrangement.
Among the names mentioned as capable leaders from the region were Peter Obi, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Pius Anyim, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Rochas Okorocha, and Senator David Umahi. However, the group identified Umahi—Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor—as the most viable candidate for the presidency in 2035.
Ohanaeze further declared its “unwavering support” for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, projecting that around 95% of Igbo voters will support the incumbent. The organization framed this move as a strategic effort aimed at fostering national stability and unity.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The organization emphasized the strategic importance of working within the APC, noting: “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.”
Reaffirming their 2027 position, the group added: “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.”
They reiterated: “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.”
Listing prominent Igbo political figures, the group highlighted: “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.”
The statement concluded by positioning Umahi as the frontrunner for 2035: “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.”
