Some Southeast leaders have urged the Igbo people to unite and form an alliance with the central government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made when Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North, met with elder statesman and former Anambra State governor Jim Nwobodo at his home in Enugu State on Friday. The meeting focused on the political positioning of the Igbo in Nigeria’s national arrangement.
Nwobodo stressed that the Igbos should not be content with symbolic inclusion but must have a clearly defined and respected role in the country’s power structure. He called for a discussion among former and current Igbo governors to determine a unified stance.
He said, “We want to discuss the Igbo position in the scheme of things in Nigeria. We want to be able to know where the Igbos stand. We don’t want anybody to deceive us. We don’t want to pretend that everything is okay. We want to know what the polity has for Igbos, and we will get it this time.”
Governor Mbah highlighted the need for unity and strategic engagement with national policies. He said the discussions are ongoing and called on the Igbo people not to be fragmented, emphasizing their critical role in Nigeria’s tripod political structure.
Senator Kalu noted that the Igbos must align with the ruling party to benefit from national development. “We have no alternative but to be with the centre. It is no longer an option. It is a requirement for the Igbos if we really want to move forward,” he said.
The meeting reflects a broader push among Southeast leaders to consolidate political influence and secure meaningful participation in the national governance framework ahead of next year’s elections.
