The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced that no Igbo candidate will challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The group explained that the South-East has resolved to shift its quest for the presidency to 2035, while pledging overwhelming support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
In a statement issued after a meeting in Abakaliki and signed by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze disclosed that the decision was reached after consultations with Southeast political leaders under the Imeobi and Nzukoumunna forums. According to the group, supporting Tinubu in 2027 will strengthen political alliances and reposition the region for a realistic shot at the presidency in 2035.
The statement further noted that while many prominent Igbo leaders, including Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Okowa, Hope Uzodinma, Chukwuma Soludo, and Rochas Okorocha, remain influential, Senator David Umahi, the current Minister of Works, stands out as the most suitable candidate to champion the Southeast’s bid in 2035.
Ohanaeze expressed confidence that at least 95 percent of Igbo votes would be cast for President Tinubu in the next election, stressing that this united front would not only promote national cohesion but also secure stronger political bargaining power for the region in the future.
