Ahead of the general elections in 2027, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo community in Lagos State has voiced optimism regarding President Bola Tinubu’s prospects of winning a second term in power.
At a reconciliation parley called by Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, the Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, Chief Sunday Udeh, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, made the announcement.
Following previous demolitions in the state, the gathering, which took place in Lagos, aimed to promote harmony between Yoruba and Igbo inhabitants.
Udeh warned against views that could cause division and asked both ethnic groups to continue living in harmony and respect for one another when speaking to the newsmen.
He said that President Tinubu is a seasoned leader who knows how to run a government and is deserving of a second term in 2027.
“We are not in doubt of his victory in 2027. We know our party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, will win again,” Udeh stated.
The Ohanaeze leader called on the Lagos State Government to continue engaging with the Igbo community and other ethnic groups to ensure inclusiveness and unity.
He acknowledged that tensions had grown between Igbos and the Lagos government following the 2023 elections, but he gave his word that fresh communication and cooperation would contribute to a greater level of confidence between the two groups.
“2027 is close. We know our party will take it. I am a member and will work for the party,” Udeh continued.
Additionally, the Igbo business community’s support for President Tinubu’s reelection campaign was offered by Deacon Charles Obih, National President of the Market Leaders Association of Nigeria, or TMLAN.
“We will mobilize our members to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election is smooth and successful by the grace of God,” Obih said.
He praised the president’s leadership, describing him as a capable and pragmatic leader who inherited difficult national challenges but has continued to address them with determination.
“To be frank, if God had not brought a man like him, we don’t know where this country would be today,” Obih stated.
Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo/Bayeku and Babaloja of Tejuosho Market, along with Dr. Okey Anorue, urged for harmony and understanding between the Yoruba and Igbo communities in their speeches.
He underlined that in order to stop political players from taking advantage of ethnic feelings, both groups need to fortify their relationship before the 2027 elections.
“We need a peaceful environment. The Yoruba are our hosts, and we must respect their culture. When in Rome, behave like the Romans,” he said.
Anorue emphasized that cooperation and respect for one another were essential to the state’s ongoing progress and urged Igbos in Lagos to oppose any attempts by politicians to stir strife.
