The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has cautioned Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, over what it described as divisive remarks concerning the political position of the South East ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political leaders across the region to embrace unity, constructive dialogue, and collective engagement in matters affecting the future of Ndigbo.
In a statement issued on Friday in Umuahia by Mazi Chukwubuikem Kalu, the group emphasized that the South East stands to gain more through cooperation and strategic political engagement than through public exchanges capable of deepening divisions within the region.
“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. 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 Ohanaeze youths passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, describing his leadership as one that has consistently advocated greater collaboration between the South East and the Federal Government and further commending his outstanding performance in infrastructure, security, youth empowerment, and economic revival in Imo State. They also praised his leadership as Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum for fostering regional cooperation.
On the 2027 presidential election, the group declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, saying it believes continued engagement with the Federal Government offers the South East greater opportunities for development and inclusion. They maintained that the interests of the Igbo people should remain paramount in every political calculation, stressing that leaders, irrespective of party affiliation, must avoid statements capable of creating unnecessary tension or weakening the region’s collective voice.
The youths urged Igbo political leaders to approach national politics with one voice, insisting that unity and strategic collaboration would strengthen the region’s bargaining power and enhance its prospects in the years ahead. They also commended the APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, for his repeated calls for unity, strategic political engagement, and a common regional agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
They further called on political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, professionals, and youth organizations to work together in promoting peace and unity across the South East and to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and instead focus on policies and partnerships capable of delivering lasting dividends of democracy to the people of the South East and Nigeria at large.
