The Global Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, to immediately open a structured political dialogue with Ndigbo ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ohanaeze insisted that the time had come for a clear, honest and mutually beneficial renegotiation of the political and developmental relationship between the Federal Government and the people of the South-East.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by its factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary-General, and made available to journalists.
The pan-Igbo organisation stated unequivocally that Ndigbo, as a body, had the right to know what is on the table for them before 2027.
The organisation said that the South-East cannot be expected to approach another electoral cycle on the basis of assumptions, political rhetoric or undefined promises.
According to the organisation, the Igbo had legitimate political, economic, infrastructural and constitutional interests that deserve clear answers from the Federal Government.
It declared that its demand was not for political favour, but a call for clarity, accountability and open negotiation.
“The organisation wants the Federal Government to clearly state its position on the major issues that have remained central to the collective interests of Ndigbo, including equitable political representation, state creation, rail connectivity, maritime development, economic integration, national reconciliation and the future of the South-East within the Nigerian federation,” it stated.
Ohanaeze said political engagement becomes meaningful only when both sides understand what is being offered, what is being requested and what can realistically be delivered.
It maintained that the question of equitable political and administrative representation remains a legitimate national issue requiring continued constitutional discussion.
“Ohanaeze is asking the Federal Government to state clearly whether it supports the creation of an additional state in the South-East,” the Igbo group stressed.
2027 poll: Initiate structured political dialogue with South-East – Ohanaeze to FG