Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, governors, and ministers from the South-East extraction have adopted President Bola Tinubu as their consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.
The group stated this has ended the lengthy 73-year-old Igbo-Yoruba rivalry. That is contained in a communique issued yesterday for the 2025 annual Igbo Day celebrations with the theme “IGBO EKUNIE” The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise held throughout the seven Igbo-speaking states.
The communique was signed by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Chief Chinenyeze, Professor Mrs. Nneoma Ukpabi, and Chief Alex Okemiri. The group acknowledged that the joyous occasion culminated in a grand finale in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, September 29, 2025.
It famous that this was honoured by dignitaries from all sectors of Nigerian society and members of the worldwide Igbo diaspora, uniting in a resolute homage to their wealthy cultural heritage and enduring traditions.
A part of the communique learn: *“In a profound show of unity and reverence, interfaith prayers had been held on the Afikpo Central Mosque in Ebonyi State on September 26, adopted by a Sabbath Divine Worship on the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, on September 27, and culminating in a world church service at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt on September 28.
“These ceremonies constituted earnest supplications for the restoration of peace, safety, divine windfall, and non secular therapeutic for all of Igboland, which is dwelling to an intensive Igbo inhabitants throughout 13 states. Particular prayers had been supplied for the souls of all those that have made the last word sacrifice in advancing the reason for the Igbo individuals, looking for atonement and enduring prosperity for our group, each domestically and within the diaspora.
“Upon concluding intensive deliberations through the grand finale in Port Harcourt and fascinating in an intensive reappraisal of Igbo political, financial, and social historical past, individuals reached a collective consensus and adopted the next resolutions:
Finish the 73-Yr Igbo-Yoruba Rivalry: The unresolved misunderstanding amongst members of the Nationwide Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which hindered the elevation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to the place of Premier of the Western Area in 1952, initiated a bitter rivalry that has plagued each the Igbo and Yoruba peoples for over seven many years.
The individuals of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebrations hereby suggest daring steps in direction of reconciliation, advocating for an finish to this longstanding strife in the very best pursuits of Ndigbo. We emphasize the need of forging a brand new alliance with the Yoruba nation.
The numerous Igbo investments and financial footprint in Lagos and the Southwest are bigger than the economies of quite a few small African nations. The late Yoruba sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, exemplified bravery and unity by choosing Chief Philip Umeadi as his Vice Presidential candidate within the 1979 elections, a gesture that should encourage us to heal and collaborate.
In acknowledgment of the Igbo nation’s recognition of President Bola Tinubu’s authorities — which has made strides to favour the Igbo regardless of electoral opposition — we lengthen an earnest handshake of peace to Afenifere and different Yoruba leaders, affirming our dedication to finish this 73-year rivalry.
Unwavering Help for President Tinubu’s Administration: Ndigbo acknowledges and commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast dedication and strategic efforts to strengthen the nation’s financial system by means of the inclusion of Nigeria within the BRICS bloc. We commend his administration for addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficits plaguing our nation, and we acknowledge his dedication to resolving the prevailing insecurity within the Southeast, in addition to the pressing have to rectify the area’s traditionally uncared for infrastructure.
A Historic Turning Level for the Southeast: It’s a notable undeniable fact that President Tinubu stands as the primary Nigerian chief to prioritize the Southeast and the Igbo Nation, regardless of the area’s rejection of his candidacy within the 2023 elections. His attentiveness to street tasks, infrastructure, and good governance signifies a transparent deviation from earlier administrations, which habitually uncared for and strategically excluded the Southeast.
Applause for David Umahi’s Infrastructural Masterpiece: Ndigbo wholeheartedly have fun President Tinubu for his formidable ₦5 trillion street challenge initiative within the Southeast, a transfer that has restored confidence and hope amongst our individuals. We additionally acknowledge the distinctive contributions of Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, whose impactful achievements have garnered applause all through Nigeria. There’s a resounding name from the Igbo group for Umahi to retain his ministerial place till 2031, accompanying President Tinubu’s tenure.
Help for Asiwaju President Tinubu’s Uninterrupted Presidency Till 2031: It’s the unified determination of Ndigbo, in live performance with Southeast governors and serving ministers, to droop assist for the opposition and rally behind President Tinubu’s authorities for a full eight-year time period.
Calls for for Strategic Improvement in Igboland: We name for the speedy launch of funds designated for the development of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri commonplace gauge railway, a challenge not too long ago accepted by the Federal Authorities, which is paramount for the financial revitalization of the area.
Revitalization of Deserted Igbo Tasks: Ndigbo emphatically demand the resuscitation of essential initiatives, together with the Enugu Coal Mine, the dredging of the Azumiri Seaport in Ukwa East, Abia State, and the restoration of the Ivo Dam, alongside the revitalization of different Federal Authorities services which have suffered neglect within the Southeast for many years.
Cultural and Language Preservation: The resuscitation of the Igbo language and tradition is of utmost significance. We earnestly urge Southeast governors to ascertain world-class Igbo language research and analysis facilities at state-owned universities whereas advocating for the adoption of Igbo because the official language in all main and secondary faculties inside Igboland.
Safety Enhancements: We word with cautious optimism the continued enhancements within the safety panorama of the Southeast, significantly following the dissolution of the Monday Sit-at-Dwelling order. We commend the efforts of the Federal Police of their dedication to restoring safety, stability, and peace to our area.”
