A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and aspirant for the House of Representatives in the Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency for the 2027 general election, Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa, has declared that the former governors of the South-East region who recently endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office are doing so on their own, and not on behalf of the South-East people.

Amb. Ikebunwa made the declaration yesterday in Nnewi, on the occasion of the inauguration of the “Good Governance Initiative,” an ADC support group, and the presentation of his four-year developmental plan for the Nnewi Federal Constituency.

The “South East Former Governors Forum” was formally inaugurated in Enugu on April 7, 2026. Led by David Umahi, the current Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, the group endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing his “inclusive appointments” and “infrastructural revolution” in the South-East.

Amb. Ikebunwa criticised the former governors for refusing to speak out on perceived injustices and marginalisation meted out to the South-East and its people, preferring instead to endorse an administration that has made little or no positive impact on the lives of the Igbo people.

He said, “The former South-East governors are moneybags. Anybody that has the interest of Nigeria at heart cannot be doing such an endorsement. They’re not speaking on behalf of the South-East people — their endorsements are personal to them. A lot of Nigerians have joined ADC because Nigerians are clamouring for change. But anybody can go anywhere, collect money and declare support for anybody; but that has nothing to do with the Igbo people.”

Earlier in his speech during the inauguration of the “Good Governance Initiative,” Amb. Ikebunwa unveiled his 12-point legislative and developmental agenda, which he tagged “Four-Year Developmental Plan for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo.” He noted that the constituency stands out as one of the most dynamic and productive economic zones in Anambra State and Nigeria. He regretted, however, that the people’s remarkable potential has not been matched with a commensurate government presence, strategic investment, or effective representation at the national level.

He assured that he entered the race with a clear vision, proven capacity, integrity, and a genuine love for the people, adding that he would champion people-focused policies, sponsor impactful bills, and attract constituency projects and strategic interventions that unlock economic prosperity.

Amb. Ikebunwa, a grassroots politician and a renowned youth leader, said he knows all the aspirants declaring from different political parties in the federal constituency and that, if given the ADC ticket for the House of Representatives election, he would secure victory for the party during the general elections.

He said, “I know the aspirants campaigning from different political parties for this same position, and I am the only aspirant that can defeat all of them. If handed the flag of ADC, I’ll lash out at the candidates of APC, APGA and others, and secure victory for ADC.”

On his ability to beat the incumbent House of Representatives member to secure the ADC ticket, Amb. Ikebunwa said, “During the 2023 general election that took the incumbent to the House of Representatives, he lost his polling unit and his ward. The votes that gave him victory came from my community. So, I will still beat him.”

It would be recalled that Ikebunwa has been supporting the party in the area. He paid office rent for all ten ADC ward offices in Nnewi North and furnished them, while also supporting the ward chairmen to run the offices, with the Nnewichi ward receiving ₦1 million.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Ibeokonkwo Michael, regretted that for long, successive political representatives have cheated the people. He commended the convener of the Good Governance Initiative, Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa, for being at the forefront of championing good governance, suggested that he should be supported to move higher on the ladder where he can render broader humanitarian services to the people.

The high point of the occasion was when the convener, Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa, donated a plot of land worth ₦10 million to a women’s support group, “Peaceful Ladies”, to support their activities. The coordinator of Peaceful Ladies, Ngozi Anuligo, thanked Amb. Ikebunwa for presenting himself for the service of the Nnewi Federal Constituency and assured him of the women’s support. (The Sun)

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