The foremost Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has sounded an alarm over the growing socio-economic crisis in Nigeria, warning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may face rejection at the polls in 2027 if urgent measures are not taken to tackle worsening poverty, hunger, and national insecurity. In a strongly-worded declaration, the organization stressed that the administration’s continued neglect of Nigeria’s pressing challenges could provoke a widespread loss of public trust, potentially culminating in a mass voter backlash in the next general elections. The warning was issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President-General of a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through an official statement released on Thursday. He urged both the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognize and urgently respond to the grim realities that have become unbearable for many Nigerians. According to Isiguzoro, the unchecked surge in hardship is not only inflicting misery on ordinary citizens but is also likely to impede the ability of state governors to secure political support for Tinubu’s reelection campaign. “Many of these governors are misleading the President by giving false assurances,” the statement noted. “They exist in a bubble of deception, assuming they can deliver their states for APC in the 2027 elections, but this is a dangerous illusion.” Ohanaeze highlighted the strategic maneuvering of Northern Governors, whom it described as “subtle and cunning,” warning that this bloc poses a greater threat to Tinubu’s political future than he may currently recognize. The group emphasized the importance of engaging directly with this influential group to prevent future political betrayal. The organization further urged Tinubu to act decisively and with integrity to rebuild confidence among Nigerians. It stated that bold and people-focused reforms are the only path to reversing the public’s growing disillusionment. “The alliance with governors who are complicit in worsening economic and security problems must be reevaluated. Nigerians are disheartened by the lack of positive impact from fuel subsidy removal and the increased revenue that followed,” Ohanaeze declared. The group also decried the deliberate undermining of local government autonomy, despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of decentralization, accusing state governors of hoarding resources and denying citizens access to vital services. They warned that unless new tax reform policies are backed by genuine administrative will and leadership change, they too will be sabotaged. Ohanaeze did not mince words, stating that unless Tinubu prioritizes resolving hunger, rising costs of living, insecurity, and poverty, any hope of seeking reelection in 2027 may prove futile. “The misleading narratives from the 36 governors are shielding Tinubu from the truth. Citizens are enduring unbearable inflation, skyrocketing food prices, and deteriorating living standards,” the group emphasized. According to Ohanaeze, this economic reality will heavily weigh on Tinubu’s campaign. The electorate, especially in the North, may choose to reject the President in favor of local interests, driven by disappointment and unmet expectations. The group also predicted fractures among Southern Governors, who will likely be caught in a tug-of-war between old political alliances and their dependence on Tinubu’s support for their own ambitions. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for these governors to secure support for Tinubu. Now is the time for real action: reduce electricity tariffs, reform the economic team, eliminate corruption, and invest seriously in agriculture and public infrastructure,” the statement concluded. Ohanaeze urged the President to look toward progressive models of leadership, such as Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, who has empowered young people through agricultural reforms and food security initiatives. They ended with a final stern message: “The current path is unsustainable. Without immediate and genuine reform, all political aspirations risk becoming irrelevant.”
