Ndigbo must not repeat 2023 mistakes, Ohanaeze Youths warn Otti, back Tinubu

Michael Olumide Alabi

Youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has cautioned the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, over what it described as divisive remarks concerning the political direction of the South East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group urged political leaders across the region to put aside personal and partisan differences and embrace unity, constructive dialogue and strategic political engagement in order to protect the collective interests of Ndigbo.

The Ohanaeze youths also declared their support for Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, while commending the APC National Vice Chairman, South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, for his advocacy for greater political unity and strategic engagement among Igbo leaders.

In a statement issued on Friday in Umuahia by Mazi Chukwubuikem Kalu, the group said the South East would gain more from cooperation and constructive engagement with the Federal Government than from public disagreements capable of widening existing political divisions within the region.

The group specifically appealed for calm among political leaders in the South East, saying that differences in political opinions should not be allowed to undermine the collective aspirations and interests of the Igbo people.

“We tender an unreserved apology to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma, for any misunderstanding or tension generated by the recent outburst by Governor Alex Otti,” the statement said.

The group described itself as committed to promoting unity, peace and strategic political engagement across the South East, warning that the region must learn from the political experiences of the 2023 general elections.

“As progressive Igbo youths, we stand for unity, peace and strategic political engagement. Ndigbo must not repeat the mistakes of 2023, when division weakened our collective voice,” the statement added.

The Ohanaeze youths subsequently passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Uzodinma, praising his leadership and describing him as a strong advocate of collaboration between the South East and the Federal Government.

According to the group, Uzodinma’s administration has made significant contributions to infrastructure development, security, youth empowerment and economic revival in Imo State.

The youths also commended his role as Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, saying his leadership had contributed to efforts aimed at promoting regional cooperation and advancing discussions on issues affecting the geopolitical zone.

The group maintained that the South East needed leaders who could build bridges between the region and the Federal Government, arguing that constructive engagement remained essential to attracting development and addressing the concerns of the people.

On the 2027 presidential election, the Ohanaeze youths openly declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They said continued engagement with the Federal Government would, in their view, provide the South East with greater opportunities for development, inclusion and participation in national affairs.

The group stressed that the interests of the Igbo people should remain at the centre of every political calculation, irrespective of political party affiliations.

It therefore urged Igbo political leaders to avoid statements that could create unnecessary tension, deepen divisions or weaken the region’s bargaining power at the national level.

The youths argued that political differences were inevitable in a democratic society but maintained that such differences should not prevent the South East from developing a common agenda on issues that affect the region.

They called on political leaders to work towards building a united front capable of advancing the interests of the South East through dialogue, negotiation and strategic political partnerships.

The group further commended Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman, South East, for what it described as his consistent calls for unity, strategic political engagement and the development of a common regional agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the Ohanaeze youths, Arodiogbu’s advocacy for a unified political voice in the South East was necessary at a time when the region needed to reposition itself politically and strategically ahead of the next general elections.

They maintained that the South East could only strengthen its influence in national politics when its leaders and stakeholders were able to identify areas of common interest and work together towards achieving them.

The group therefore called on political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, women organizations, professionals and youth groups across the region to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity and political stability.

The youths also appealed to stakeholders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and public exchanges that could further polarize the region.

Instead, they urged leaders to focus their energy on policies, programmes and partnerships that could improve the lives of ordinary citizens and deliver sustainable development to the South East.

They said the region needed greater attention to infrastructure, employment, youth empowerment, security, education, healthcare and economic development, adding that political leaders should prioritize issues capable of delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people.

The Ohanaeze youths further emphasized that the 2027 political season should be approached with maturity and a clear understanding of the long-term interests of Ndigbo.

They argued that political engagement should not be driven by personal attacks or divisions but by a willingness to negotiate, build alliances and secure meaningful benefits for the people.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with progressive stakeholders across the South East to promote unity and ensure that the region’s voice is heard more effectively in national political discussions.

It called on all Igbo leaders, regardless of political party, to place the collective interests of Ndigbo above individual ambitions, stressing that a united and strategically engaged South East would be better positioned to influence national decisions and attract greater development.

The statement concluded with an appeal to political leaders and stakeholders to embrace peace, dialogue and cooperation, insisting that the future of the South East depended largely on the ability of its people to overcome political divisions and pursue a common agenda.