Reactions Trail Ndieze Endorsement Of Tinubu For Second Term As Igbo Leaders Debate 2027 Options

KINGSLEY EBERE

The political atmosphere in the South-East has been stirred again following the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by the Council of Ndieze/Ndi Isi-Igbo in conjunction with the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State.

The endorsement, which was made public on Monday, has continued to generate reactions among political stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens across Igbo land. Many are now weighing what it means for the 2027 general elections and the political future of presidential candidate of NDC, Mr. Peter Obi.

In a statement, the Ndieze said Tinubu deserves another term to “complete the good works he has started”, while also raising questions about whether Peter Obi still has a viable path to the presidency in 2027.

Speaking to P.M.EXPRESS on Tuesday, Chief Emeka Ujam, an APC chieftain from Enugu State, described the endorsement as timely and necessary.

“Ndieze has spoken the truth. We cannot continue to shout marginalisation from the outside. If we want the center, we must work with the center. President Tinubu has shown commitment to the South-East with appointments and projects. Supporting him for 2027 is political wisdom,” Ujam said.

He added that the Igbo nation must re-strategise ahead of 2027 and align with the ruling party to get maximum benefits.

However, the endorsement has also drawn criticism. Comrade Prince Ichie, a civil society leader based in Lagos, said the Ndieze’s position was personal and not a reflection of the general Igbo sentiment.

“With due respect to Ndieze, they do not speak for all Ndigbo. The people will decide in 2027 based on performance, inclusion, and justice. Endorsements like this are not new, but they don’t determine how Ndigbo will vote,” Ichie stated.

Another stakeholder, Mrs. Ngozi Mbachu, a women leader in Anambra, said the focus should be on what the Tinubu administration has done for the South-East in the last three years.

What Happens to Peter Obi in 2027?

The question of Peter Obi’s political fate dominated many of the reactions.

Dr. Chike Eze, a political analyst, noted that Obi still commands massive grassroots support, especially among youths.

“Obi remains a strong symbol. But 2027 will not be about emotions. It will be about structure, alliance, and what the APC government delivers in the South-East,” Eze said.

As at press time, the endorsement had generated thousands of comments and shares on social media, with #Tinubu2027 and #Ndieze trending on X and Facebook.

Political observers say the debate shows that the South-East will be a major battleground in 2027, and endorsements like this will shape alliances in the coming months.

 

The General Secretary of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, Prince Joshua Nnanna Kalu, also issued a statement on the matter.

He said:

“INFORMATION. Respected members of the Community. I wish to state categorically and clearly that we never discussed this declaration made on Sunday, 26th July 2026.

“To the best of my knowledge, the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos is a socio-cultural organisation and not a political one. I advise those making declarations to desist from such because Ndigbo are republicans and not for sale. After all these declarations, if Ndigbo do not vote accordingly, it will cause more trouble. A stitch in time saves nine. Thanks and remain blessed.”