2027: Why Ndi-Igbo must align with APC party— Iroakazi

With less than 120 days to the 2027 general elections, political groups across party lines are already strategising on modalities for mobilising support.

One such group is the All Progressive Congress (APC) South-East in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, which recently reaffirmed its leadership in a bid to further strengthen its structure ahead of the polls.

In this exclusive interview with our Managing Editor, North, Abel Lazarus, the FCT APC South-East Chairman, Chief Michael Iroakazi, speaks on how Ndi-Igbo’s alignment with the ruling party will benefit a region that feels neglected by the same party that once described the region as “a dot in a circle.”

Excerpts:

As APC South-East Chairman, FCT, how would you assess the political preparedness of Ndi-Igbo in the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections?

Ndi-Igbo are now more enthusiastic and have a higher level of political awareness than they did in 2023. Igbos in the FCT came out in their numbers and effected a change in the political history of the FCT.

However, they were disappointed that their preferred candidate could not win the 2023 general election, thereby throwing them into political opposition. This has resulted in much of what people now see as marginalisation, as politics rewards effort and loyalty.

Hence, going into the 2027 general elections, they have resolved not to put all their eggs in one basket again.

In 2023, the South-East voted largely for the Labour Party. What is your party doing differently to win Igbo votes in the FCT and Nigeria at large in 2027?

Like I said earlier, the mistake of the 2023 elections, when they put all their eggs in one basket, is now an eye-opener for Ndi-Igbo in the FCT. As such, aligning with the APC in the FCT and Nigeria at large is a resolution and not by coercion, because the gains of politics come from involvement and participation.
We have embarked on massive sensitisation across the Area Councils. Our people now understand that being in opposition has cost us so much.

What is your message to Igbos who feel the APC has not favoured the South-East in appointments and infrastructure?

The APC has favoured the region, one example being the allocation of a principal ministry, the Ministry of Works, to the region. It is a great reward to the region, considering the minimal role played in the emergence of the current administration.

My candid advice to Ndi-Igbo in the FCT and Nigeria as a whole is to stop playing the politics of opposition and instead embrace the politics of the centre.

Why do you think it is important for Ndi-Igbo to align with the ruling APC at this time?
It is inevitable for Ndi-Igbo to embrace inclusivity in politics. Today in the FCT, the few Ndi-Igbo in the corridors of power are doing great jobs in pushing for the well-being of their region, and this could be a lot better if we align with the ruling party and have more people in positions of authority. The gains would be immeasurable. If we are at the table, we can demand and get what is due to us.

What are the major challenges facing Igbos living and doing business in the FCT today?
There are no peculiar challenges facing Ndi-Igbo in the FCT today. The problem of demolitions has grossly reduced. What Ndi-Igbo need is basically a space to express themselves in their businesses and other works of life, which, you will agree with me, is far better under the current administration compared to previous administrations.
Abuja is home to all of us, and the current administration has been fair.

How would you rate Igbo representation in the FCT administration, AMAC and Area Councils?

I can tell you today that the gains achieved are unprecedented. Today, an Igbo man is the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of AMAC, while another Igbo man is the Secretary to the Gwagwalada Area Council, a feat that has never been achieved before.
This is simply because of the role Igbos played during the last Area Council elections in the FCT.

It shows that when we participate and support, we are rewarded.

What is the APC doing to ensure Igbos in the FCT are not politically sidelined in the 2027 general elections?

The party leadership in the FCT has assured us of inclusivity. We are in constant engagement with the FCT party chairman and other leaders to ensure that Ndi-Igbo are carried along in terms of candidacy, appointments and campaign structures.
We will not be sidelined if we remain united and committed.

How united is the APC South-East in the FCT? Are there internal crises?

The South-East APC in the FCT is more united today than ever. The evidence was the affirmation of its leadership a few days ago, unlike what is obtainable in other regions, and this is something we hope to continue to nurture going into the elections and beyond.

Ndi-Igbo in the FCT are now more politically conscious of Nigeria’s politics and are ready to participate fully.

What is your projection for APC’s performance in the South-East and in the FCT in 2027?

The APC is doing wonderfully well in the region already. Hence, with the new orientation of not putting all our eggs in one basket, I am optimistic that the APC will perform very well across the South-Eastern states, as that will be the only ground for us to demand inclusion and development.
In the FCT, I can assure you that the APC will get massive votes from Ndi-Igbo.

Finally, what is your direct appeal to Ndi-Igbo in FCT Abuja as we head to 2027?

Personally, I have played the politics of opposition in the past and have suffered its consequences. Therefore, my appeal to Ndi-Igbo in the FCT and beyond is to embrace politics at the centre to avoid grounds for non-inclusion in government.

They should embrace a more balanced approach to politics going into the 2027 general elections. The region is heavily endowed with both human and natural resources, but needs to align with the centre to attract more dividends of democracy.