Oluwatosin Enesi
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the widespread hunger, poverty, and insecurity plaguing the nation, warning that continued inaction could jeopardize his chances of re-election in 2027.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group expressed deep concern over the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria and called for immediate and decisive government action.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) is on precarious ground heading into the 2027 elections,” the statement read. “If the Federal Government continues to ignore the widespread warnings about extreme poverty, hardship, and insecurity, the consequences will be severe.”
Ohanaeze cautioned that the growing public frustration could lead to a voter backlash against the Tinubu administration, stressing that Nigerians are enduring “overwhelming suffering” that must not be overlooked.
The group also criticised the 36 state governors, alleging that many are making empty promises while failing to deliver tangible solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges.
“Many governors are misleading the President into a false sense of security, claiming they can deliver votes in 2027. However, some of them—particularly in the North—may act in ways that could damage the President’s political future,” the statement added.
Ohanaeze called on President Tinubu to adopt bold, people-centred reforms and not rely solely on the advice of state governors or political allies. It emphasised the importance of engaging directly with ordinary Nigerians to understand the depth of their struggles.
The organisation further criticised the failure of state governments to channel increased federal allocations—resulting from fuel subsidy removal—into meaningful development, while also accusing some governors of sabotaging the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
“With inflation, high food prices, rising electricity tariffs, and inadequate healthcare and housing, citizens are losing patience,” the statement noted. “These issues pose major obstacles to any second-term campaign.”
The group urged President Tinubu to consider urgent measures, including reducing electricity tariffs, reforming his economic advisory team, cutting wasteful spending, and prioritising investments in agriculture and infrastructure.
Citing Burkina Faso’s young leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, as an example of focused leadership, Ohanaeze encouraged the President to empower the agricultural sector with tools and incentives to ensure food security and economic stability.
“The current situation is untenable,” the statement concluded. “Without swift and effective intervention, the likelihood of political upheaval in the coming years remains high.”
Our Reporter
