South-East Group Demands Clear Answers On State Creation, Rail, Port, Political Representation And Nnamdi Kanu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to make its position clear on key issues affecting the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Global Executive Committee of the organisation said Ndigbo want to know what the Federal Government has planned for the region, particularly on political representation, state creation, railway development, maritime infrastructure, federal projects and national reconciliation.
Ohanaeze said the South-East should not be approached with general campaign promises. The organisation wants specific positions on issues that have remained important to the region.
The Sixth State Demand
One of the major issues raised by Ohanaeze is the demand for an additional state in the South-East.
The organisation wants President Tinubu’s administration to state whether it supports the creation of another state in the zone and whether it is prepared to support the necessary constitutional process.
Ohanaeze said Ndigbo need to know whether the demand will receive serious consideration or remain a political talking point.
Aba–Maiduguri Railway And South-East Port
Ohanaeze is also demanding clearer information on the proposed Aba–Maiduguri standard-gauge railway.
The organisation wants to know the project’s status, funding arrangement and expected implementation timetable.
It said the railway would improve movement between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria, particularly for businesses, manufacturers and agricultural producers.
The group also renewed its call for a deep-sea port in the South-East, specifically asking the Federal Government to consider Azumini Blue River in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
Ohanaeze said a port in the area could expand trade, logistics, manufacturing and employment across the region.
Nnamdi Kanu And Political Representation
Ohanaeze also wants President Tinubu to clarify his position on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, including whether a presidential pardon or another lawful exercise of the prerogative of mercy is being considered.
The organisation said the matter should be handled within the Constitution and the rule of law, while taking into account the need for peace in the South-East.
On political representation, Ohanaeze said inclusion should go beyond individual appointments.
The organisation wants greater participation by the South-East in national decision-making and access to strategic responsibilities within the Federal Government.
2023 Election Result Remains A Political Signal
Ohanaeze said the Federal Government and political parties cannot ignore the voting pattern in the South-East during the 2023 presidential election.
According to INEC figures cited by the organisation, the Labour Party secured 1,960,589 votes in the zone, representing 89.62 per cent of the total. APC recorded 127,605 votes, while PDP polled 91,198.
Ohanaeze said the figures do not automatically determine how the region will vote in 2027, but they show the level of support enjoyed by the parties during the last presidential election.
The organisation said voters in the South-East will continue to pay attention to issues such as infrastructure, political representation, economic opportunities, security and fairness within the federation.
Ohanaeze Acknowledges Federal Projects
Ohanaeze acknowledged infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Tinubu administration in the South-East, but said ongoing roads, bridges and other projects should be completed.
It also called for greater attention to railways, ports, industrial infrastructure and economic links that can connect the region more effectively to the rest of Nigeria.
The organisation said its demands are not limited to individual projects but concern the wider economic and political interests of the South-East.
“Ndigbo Are Not Asking For Favours”
Ohanaeze said it is not asking the Federal Government for political favours.
In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary-General, the organisation said Ndigbo want clear positions on the issues it has raised before the 2027 election.
Among them are the additional-state demand, Aba–Maiduguri railway, a South-East deep-sea port, federal roads and bridges, industrial investment, political participation and the question of Nnamdi Kanu.
The message from Ohanaeze is that Ndigbo want to know what has been approved, what is being considered, what can be delivered and when.
The organisation said those answers will help shape how the South-East approaches the 2027 political season.
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