The recent statement by Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, advising Ndi Igbo to “forget” the 2027 presidential race, has drawn strong reactions from members of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts, Enugu Chapter, during the Media Conclave programme of Freedom Square Live on Solid 100.9 FM.
The Guild, comprising chairman Dr. Ambrose Igboke, Dr. Chukwudi Anyianuka, Mr. Emeka Odom, and Dr. Maxwell Ngene, assessed the political implications of Umahi’s remarks for the South East.
Mr. Emeka Odom expressed disappointment over what he described as the consistent failure of South East leaders at the national level to protect the region’s interests, including the long-standing demand for a sixth state. He maintained that there is still hope for Ndi Igbo, insisting the South East deserves its turn at the presidency before power returns to the North in 2031. According to him, Peter Obi remains the most credible candidate, and Umahi’s statement reflects an “if I can’t go, no one should” mentality, which he deemed unfair from a fellow Igbo.
Dr. Chukwudi Anyianuka opined that Umahi’s comment was purely personal and did not represent the collective will of the Igbo people. He called for inclusivity in national leadership, stressing that equity and fairness demand a South East presidency. He described Peter Obi as a competent and credible choice, rejecting any suggestion that the region should step aside in 2027.
Dr. Maxwell Ngene also disagreed with Umahi, questioning the performance of President Bola Tinubu so far. He said there is no guarantee the South would reclaim the presidency after 2031 if the Igbo abandon 2027, warning that such a move risks deepening the region’s political exclusion. He further suggested that Umahi’s remarks could be an attempt to weaken Obi’s growing influence while consolidating his own position in the federal cabinet.
In contrast, Dr. Ambrose Igboke supported Umahi’s position, arguing that the South East is neither politically united nor strategically prepared to secure the presidency in 2027. He criticised what he termed “crying baby” politics among Igbo leaders and said any serious aspirant must first consult Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other regional stakeholders. He also contended that Obi’s four-year term pledge has weakened his political leverage, comparing it to the PDP’s call for Goodluck Jonathan to run for a short-term mandate.
The discussion underscored the intricate nature of Nigeria’s power rotation politics, where regional ambitions, party calculations, and national cohesion often collide. While opinions differ on whether the South East should push for 2027 or wait for a more opportune moment, the debate reflects a broader national challenge: how to balance equity, competence, and political pragmatism in leadership selection. Moving forward, the region’s aspirations may hinge on forging alliances that transcend ethnic, political, and geographical boundaries, shaping both its future and that of the Nigerian federation.