Ohanaeze Rules Out Igbo Presidency Bid in 2027, Endorses Tinubu for Re-Election

Abakaliki — The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that no Igbo aspirant will contest the presidency against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze said the decision followed extensive consultations with Southeast political leaders, Imeobi and Nzukoumunna, who unanimously resolved to back President Tinubu’s re-election.

The organisation stressed that the aspiration for an Igbo presidency remains alive but will only be feasible in 2035 when power is expected to rotate away from the North.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo finds it paramount to convey a clear message to Ndigbo and Nigerians at large that the quest for an Igbo president is realizable in 2035, not 2027,” the statement read.

The group noted that the most realistic pathway to achieving the ambition lies within the All Progressives Congress (APC), provided the zoning formula is adjusted in favour of the Southeast.

It also identified the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, as the leading Igbo candidate for the presidency, citing his record as governor, chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, senator, and now minister, as proof of his competence.

Other prominent Igbo leaders acknowledged include former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Senate President Pius Anyim, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, among others.

The group projected that about 95 percent of Igbo votes would be cast for Tinubu in 2027 as part of a strategic decision to strengthen alliances and foster political stability.

“As we contemplate the future, we anticipate that after President Tinubu’s tenure ends in 2031, power will rotate to the North, paving the way for the Southeast to produce Nigeria’s first president of Igbo descent in 2035,” the statement added.