Igbo Group Rejects Tinubu, Tells President's Wife "Don't Waste Your Time," Over Bid To Woo South-East Voters

 

By Ambrose Amos 

The Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation has warned political parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against expecting massive electoral support from the South-East in the 2027 presidential election.

The foundation's National Coordinator, Hon. Chinedu Nsofor, made the position known in a statement issued following First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent visit to Imo State.

During the visit, the First Lady appealed to South-East voters to support President Bola Tinubu's bid for re-election. However, Nsofor argued that the region's political mood suggested growing support for the idea of an Igbo president emerging at the national level.

He described Peter Obi as a capable leader who, in his view, could address some of Nigeria's major economic and security challenges.

Nsofor acknowledged that no individual or organisation could claim to speak for all Igbo people. Nevertheless, he said there was a strong political sentiment across the South-East that the region deserved a genuine opportunity to produce Nigeria's next president, with Obi representing the clearest expression of that aspiration.

The foundation also cautioned the APC against assuming that government appointments, empowerment programmes, development projects or financial incentives would automatically translate into electoral support.

While recognising the importance of government projects in the region, the group maintained that development is a responsibility of government rather than a favour to be exchanged for votes. It further noted that the South-East has made significant contributions to Nigeria but has not produced an elected president since 1999.

The foundation stressed that its position did not mean an Igbo candidate was automatically entitled to the presidency, insisting that competence, discipline, prudent management and proven performance should determine the nation's next leader.

Addressing the First Lady, the group said:"But respectfully, please do not waste your time trying to persuade Ndigbo to abandon the aspiration for an Igbo presidency," the statement read, adding that the people had already made up their minds.