The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, hereby articulates a clarion call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that no degree of presidential appeasement—be it through appointments or infrastructural promises—can restore the crumbling partnership between his administration and the Northern region that once prospered in 2023. Evidence on the ground illustrates that the North has decisively disengaged from President Tinubu, now seeking alliances with influential leaders from the Southeast and Niger Delta with a singular and urgent objective: to unseat him in the impending 2027 elections.

This stark truth deserves forthright acknowledgement: unless critical federal government policies are urgently reversed and significant corrective measures enacted, the disenchanted Nigerian populace is likely to align themselves with the chorus of opposition voices spearheaded by Northern leaders. These coalitions advocate for transformative change in leadership. Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores the Federal Government to urgently recalibrate its strategies and fundamentally reassess its footing within our complex national tapestry.

Central to this recalibration is the necessity for an inclusive and credible National Census in 2025, one that mandates the incorporation of ethnicity and religious identity as crucial components. This strategic endeavour aims to unveil the authentic demographic vulnerabilities that underpin the discussions surrounding Northern numerical dominance. Current realities indicate that approximately 39% of Northern Nigeria’s population comprises Igbo communities, while about 31% consists of Middle Belt Christians; the Hausa and Fulani together account for merely 30%. This disproportionate demographic landscape is precisely why Northern leaders have consistently opposed the inclusion of ethnicity and religion in previous census efforts.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphatically asserts that the Federal Government must prioritize the fundamental needs of the Igbo Nation. Such a pivotal move will not only foster solidarity among the Igbos across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria but will also serve as a cornerstone for national cohesion. President Tinubu is urged to act decisively, without further delay, by establishing a sixth state for the Southeast and rejuvenating the Eastern Economic Corridor. This includes urgently reopening and dredging the Calabar Seaport, which has been dormant for an astonishing 57 years, maximizing the utility of Port Harcourt Seaport, constructing a deep seaport in Azumiri (Ukwa East LGA, Abia State), and upgrading the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu-Maiduguri railway to standard gauge. Moreover, the political release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is essential in fostering goodwill and addressing regional grievances.

By taking these decisive actions, President Tinubu has an unprecedented opportunity to dismantle the long-held myth of Northern numerical superiority, thereby erasing the longstanding perception of Northern political dominance that has hampered equitable governance in our diverse nation. Ohanaeze further urges the Federal Government to engage constructively with non-violent Biafra agitators to address the pressing issue of violence and insecurity challenges in the Southeast. Indications suggest that the progenitors of the Biafra agitation, advocating for self-determination through peaceful dialogue, stand ready to reconcile with the Federal Government. This unique opening must be seized to restore peace and stability in the Southeast region, which has been historically marginalized.

In conclusion, the administration needs to recognize the unique position and potential of the Igbo Nation in shaping Nigeria’s future—a future that transcends tribal affiliations and seeks to unify rather than divide. We stand at a crossroads; thus, let us choose dialogue over discord and cooperation over conflict. As Nigerians, our well-being depends on our collective commitment to inclusivity, equity, and progress.

Signed,

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo