25 April 2026 – NDI-ABAT Press Release

The Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) stands resolute in its commitment to securing a landslide electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Our conviction is rooted in the firm belief that, with the strategic leadership of Senator Dave Umahi and other unwavering allies of President Tinubu, particularly in the Southeast region, a decisive victory is assured.

NDI-ABAT takes this solemn opportunity to candidly address President Tinubu with a message that reflects political realities and presents an unflinching forecast of the challenges ahead. We have gathered the courage to state a bitter truth: the support of many Igbo governors in the Southeast may not be sufficient to rally the people behind President Tinubu’s candidacy. Their detachment from the grassroots and the growing disconnect between these leaders and the electorate pose a significant hurdle to President Tinubu’s chances of winning the Southeast in 2027.

The tragic reality, which too many have failed to convey to the President, is that these governors are woefully out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the Igbo people. Their actions have consistently undermined democratic processes that could have strengthened local communities. A glaring example is their role in undermining the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy—an outcome that could have granted local governments greater control and enhanced grassroots development. The neglect of this pivotal reform has left a bitter taste in the minds of the people, who increasingly view these leaders as self-serving rather than as agents of progress.

In light of these truths, NDI-ABAT implores President Tinubu to recalibrate his expectations and not place undue reliance on these governors. Their ability to deliver in 2027 is, at best, uncertain and, at worst, potentially detrimental to the President’s political fortunes. For this reason, NDI-ABAT advocates a more robust, grassroots-driven campaign led by individuals with genuine influence, credibility, and a proven track record of delivering results for the people.

On a more hopeful note, President Tinubu’s policies and infrastructural initiatives in the Southeast have already begun to yield tangible economic benefits for Ndigbo. The region has recorded notable progress, particularly through the completion of critical infrastructure that has improved connectivity and access. This development reflects the President’s commitment to the people of the Southeast and lays a strong foundation for a successful 2027 campaign.

However, for these efforts to reach their full potential, NDI-ABAT advocates two critical measures that would further galvanize support for President Tinubu’s candidacy: the creation of a new state in the Southeast and a presidential amnesty programme for repentant Igbo militants and Biafra agitators. Such actions would not only secure broader political support for the APC but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to long-term peace and reconciliation in the region. These initiatives, when combined with the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, would ensure a significant electoral advantage for President Tinubu.

Senator Umahi, whose credentials and political standing in the Southeast remain formidable, has demonstrated capable and effective leadership. His contributions to infrastructure development, including the delivery of key road networks, position him as a strong figure to lead the President’s campaign in Southern Nigeria. With Umahi at the helm, NDI-ABAT is confident that President Tinubu will secure victory not only in the Southeast but also in Lagos, Abuja, and other critical regions.

NDI-ABAT’s grassroots presence across the 95 local government areas of the Southeast, combined with a strong political network in Lagos and Abuja, forms a formidable structure capable of ensuring that the 2023 electoral outcomes in favor of Peter Obi are not replicated in 2027. We remain committed to ensuring that President Tinubu’s victory in the Southeast, Lagos, and Abuja is not only possible but inevitable.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory is sacrosanct—a mission that NDI-ABAT will continue to champion without relenting. The Southeast, Lagos, and Abuja will stand united in support of a leader whose policies have already demonstrated clear benefits for the people.

NDI-ABAT urges all stakeholders to rally behind this mission as we advance toward an assured victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
National Coordinator
NDI-ABAT

Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Secretary General
NDI-ABAT