A prominent group of South East leaders has officially declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election campaign in 2027, citing what they describe as the region’s unprecedented inclusion in key federal appointments under his administration. The South East Elders Alliance for Tinubu 2027 made this declaration during a well-attended inauguration ceremony of its Enugu North Senatorial District chapter in Nsukka on Wednesday.
In a detailed communique jointly signed by the group’s national and zonal leaders – including Hon. Humphrey Nwosu (National Coordinator), Prof. Damian Opata (Deputy National Coordinator), Prof. Chuka Ezema (Strategy Coordinator, Enugu North), and Dr. Anthony Alumona (Administration Coordinator, Enugu North) – the elders outlined multiple reasons for their endorsement. They particularly praised what they termed as “the most equitable federal appointments for Igbo sons and daughters in Nigeria’s recent political history.”
The group specifically highlighted several high-profile appointments of Nsukka Igbo origin under the Tinubu administration, including:
• Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff
• Frank Mba as Deputy Inspector General of Police
• Prof. Melvin Ayogu as Member of CBN Board of Directors
• Prof. Iliyasu Usman as the first Igbo Imam of Abuja Central Mosque
• Dr. Amaka Onu as Board Member, Federal Polytechnic, Jigawa
• Hon. Favour Nkem Asogwa as Board Member, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
• Chief Eva Asadu as Member, Anambra-Imo River Basin Authority
• Maj. Gen. E.I. Okoro as Military Secretary, Nigerian Army
“The people of Enugu North have never had it this good under any previous federal administration,” the communique stated, adding that these appointments benefit the wider Igbo community beyond just individual beneficiaries.
Beyond political appointments, the elders made several policy recommendations to the Tinubu administration. They urged the President to initiate an Executive Bill for constitutional amendment to create additional states, which they argued would further cement his legacy. The group also appealed for urgent economic interventions to alleviate current hardships, specifically calling for:
- Immediate measures to stabilize the naira
- Reduction in fuel and food prices
- Enhancement of national security through establishment of a digital response unit within Nigeria’s security architecture
The communique read in part: “The Enugu North Senatorial District chapter reaffirms its loyalty to the national body and supports the compelling reasons outlined for backing President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Our region has benefited immensely under his visionary leadership.”
In a significant political calculation, the group framed their support as part of a broader southern agenda, calling on Nigerians nationwide to support Tinubu’s re-election to complete what they termed “the southern eight-year presidential mandate.” They argued this would reduce political tensions surrounding the 2027 elections.
The event concluded with prayers for the Tinubu administration, as the communique stated: “Mr. President, may the Almighty God continue to guide your administration in the right direction.”
Political analysts view this endorsement as strategically important coming from the traditionally opposition-leaning South East region, suggesting potential realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The detailed listing of Igbo appointments under Tinubu appears designed to counter narratives of marginalization that have dominated South East political discourse in recent years.
