2027: Ohanaeze Ndigbo sets road reconstruction as condition for APC votes in South-East

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has made the reconstruction of key highways in the South-East a condition for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure votes from the region in the 2027 general elections.

The organisation called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently direct the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Owerri–Aba, Owerri–Onitsha and Owerri–Port Harcourt highways, describing them as critical routes for the economic survival of the South-East.

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Ohanaeze said the prolonged neglect of road infrastructure across the South-East and South-South had crippled commercial activities, worsened commuters’ suffering and hindered economic development in the affected areas.

The group warned the APC against seeking electoral support from the region without addressing the deteriorating condition of major highways connecting its commercial centres.

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In a criticism directed at Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, the organisation accused him of failing to demonstrate sufficient urgency in securing presidential intervention for the affected roads.

It described as unacceptable what it characterised as the prioritisation of personal political interests over the collective welfare of the South-East, particularly in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

The position was contained in a joint press statement issued to media organisations on Friday by the group’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.

The two signatories maintained that political endorsements, campaigns and mobilisation would not guarantee votes from the region without tangible action on the highways.

They, however, clarified that their position should not be interpreted as hostility towards President Tinubu or his administration.

“We acknowledge his administration’s infrastructure investments in the South-East, including the reported ₦248 billion federal road investment in Ebonyi State. However, the suffering of commuters along the Owerri–Aba, Onitsha–Owerri, and Owerri–Port Harcourt highways cannot be ignored,” the statement said.

The organisation urged Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to prioritise the three highways and ensure that meaningful rehabilitation commenced before the Christmas festivities.

Ohanaeze also called on Uzodimma to take greater responsibility for advancing the region’s infrastructure interests, arguing that his position within the APC leadership and his role in the President’s political mobilisation should be used to secure tangible benefits for the Igbo people.

The group stressed that the South-East deserved functional roads, improved economic opportunities and accountable leadership.

“Ndigbo deserve functional roads, economic opportunities and responsible leadership. The Federal Government must act now,” the statement added.

The development comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with infrastructure, economic development and regional concerns likely to feature prominently in debates over electoral support in the South-East.

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