2027: Ohanaeze seeks deal with Tinubu, lists 5 demands

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has asked the federal government to open a fresh political dialogue with Ndigbo ahead of the 2027 general elections, demanding clear commitments on what it has “on the table” for the South-east.

In a statement Tuesday, jointly signed by its deputy president general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and acting secretary-general, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the organisation said the proposed engagement should address infrastructure, political inclusion, constitutional restructuring, economic development, transportation, maritime infrastructure and national reconciliation.

Ohanaeze said its first major question was whether the federal government supported the creation of an additional state in the South-east, urging an open constitutional and national conversation involving the National Assembly, the federal government and relevant stakeholders.

The group also demanded a clear timetable for the proposed Aba-Maiduguri standard-gauge railway, insisting that the project should move beyond announcements to defined funding, commencement and completion targets, while urging the federal government to clarify plans for a deep-sea port in the South-east, particularly at Azumini Blue River in Abia state.

Ohanaeze further asked the federal government to state whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was considering a presidential pardon or other exercise of the prerogative of mercy for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying the issue should be addressed within the constitutional and legal framework and with consideration for peace and national reconciliation.

On political representation, the organisation demanded clarity on the offices, responsibilities and level of inclusion envisaged for Ndigbo under the APC-led federal government, adding that political participation should go beyond appointments to meaningful involvement in national decision-making.

The group said Ndigbo could not be expected to make informed political choices in an atmosphere of uncertainty, adding that political engagement ahead of 2027 should be based on reciprocal commitments, measurable deliverables and clearly defined expectations rather than assumptions.

While acknowledging infrastructure initiatives by the Tinubu administration, Ohanaeze urged the federal government to commence a structured Federal Government-South-East dialogue covering state creation, rail connectivity, a deep-sea port, economic development, political inclusion and the question of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that “Ndigbo wants to know what is on the table” before the 2027 elections.