2027: Igbo Group Rejects Uzodimma, Umahi, Nwebonyi’s Endorsement of Tinubu

The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected claims that the South-East is politically united behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The association was reacting to statements reportedly made by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Minister of Works David Umahi, and Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi, suggesting that the region had reached a consensus to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

In a statement signed by its President General, Nze Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the association insisted that the three political figures had no authority to speak on behalf of the entire Igbo people regarding their electoral preferences.

Describing itself as the umbrella socio-cultural body representing Igbo residents across the Federal Capital Territory, the association said political endorsements made by elected officials or appointees should not be interpreted as the collective position of the South-East.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Ellis-Ezenekwe said, “The two of you are not presently the spokespersons of Igbos, neither is Senator Nwaebonyi a spokesperson.

“These three are merely being sent out to talk for Tinubu against the interest of Igbos.

“The South-East considers the Tinubu administration as a failed administration and for this reason will not vote Tinubu.”

The association maintained that statements suggesting political unanimity in the South-East were detached from what it described as the prevailing realities in the region.

According to the group, political decisions affecting the region must reflect the views and aspirations of the people rather than the opinions of a few political office holders.

It argued that the endorsements expressed by Uzodimma, Umahi and Nwebonyi were personal political positions that did not represent the broader sentiment across the five South-East states.

The association also urged public officials from the South-East to concentrate on their constitutional responsibilities, governance and addressing the immediate economic needs of their constituents instead of making political declarations on behalf of the region.

It further cautioned them against what it described as attempts to trade away the political sovereignty of the Igbo electorate for personal political advantage ahead of the 2027 election.

The group emphasised that millions of Igbo voters retain the constitutional right to freely determine whom they will support during the 2027 general election, insisting that only the electorate can decide the region’s political direction through the ballot box.