…Says Ndigbo Will Not Reward Failure in 2027

By Anayo Okoli

The South East chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by three Igbo governors during an APC rally held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State had, while addressing the rally, endorsed President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the ADC said the governors were acting on their own, insisting that their position does not reflect the views of Ndigbo regarding the 2027 polls.

The party stated that the governors neither spoke for Ndigbo nor represented their collective aspirations, interests and expectations.

ADC described the endorsement as entirely personal, irresponsible, self-serving and disconnected from the harsh realities confronting millions of Nigerians, including economic hardship, insecurity, inflation, unemployment and declining living standards.

In a statement, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South East), Sir Bon Unachukwu, described the endorsement as a “grave misrepresentation of the position of Ndi Igbo and a direct insult to suffering Nigerians who continue to endure unprecedented economic hardship, rising insecurity, inflation, unemployment and declining living standards under the present administration.”

According to Unachukwu, no objective assessment of the Tinubu administration’s performance could justify such an endorsement.

“Since May 2023, Nigerians have witnessed a steady deterioration in their economic conditions. The cost of living has become unbearable, businesses are struggling to survive, and millions of citizens can barely afford basic necessities.

“It is therefore inconceivable that anyone genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people would endorse the continuation of a government that has failed to address these pressing challenges.

“The endorsement of President Tinubu by these governors is an endorsement of failure. It is an attempt to impose a political position on a people who are daily confronted with hunger, insecurity, unemployment and hopelessness.

“Ndigbo cannot endorse failure, and Nigerians cannot reward suffering with another term in office,” he said.

The party further argued that the South East has little reason to celebrate the current administration, claiming that the region continues to suffer neglect in critical areas such as infrastructure development, federal appointments and economic investment, despite repeated promises of inclusion and fairness.

Unachukwu lamented that major federal road projects in the region remain incomplete, while other parts of the country, particularly the South West, continue to receive greater attention and funding.

He also expressed concern over growing frustration among young people across the South East, noting that thousands of educated and energetic youths remain unemployed and disillusioned, with limited prospects for meaningful economic opportunities.

According to him, rather than addressing these challenges and providing practical solutions, some political leaders have chosen to engage in political activities aimed at advancing personal ambitions and securing political favour.

“The South East ADC therefore rejects, in its entirety, the endorsement of President Tinubu by these governors. Such a position does not reflect the views of Ndigbo, nor does it represent the mood of Nigerians who are demanding competent leadership, economic recovery, national unity, security and good governance,” the statement added. (Vanguard)

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