The Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people, has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group made the declaration on Monday during a reconciliation parley convened by Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, aimed at fostering unity between Yoruba and Igbo communities in the state following recent controversies over demolitions and political tensions.
Speaking at the event, Chief Sunday Udeh, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, said the group had confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and expressed optimism that he would win a second term.
“We are not in doubt of his victory in 2027. President Tinubu is a man who understands governance and leadership. We know our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will win again,” Udeh said.
He also appealed for peaceful coexistence between the Yoruba and Igbo communities, emphasizing that mutual respect and understanding were essential for harmony in Lagos.
“We must avoid animosity and bitterness between the Yorubas and the Igbos. The Lagos State Government should continue to give all ethnic groups, including the Ndigbo, a sense of belonging,” he added.
Udeh acknowledged that relations between the Igbos and the Lagos government had been strained since the 2023 general elections but expressed hope that dialogue and inclusiveness would mend the divide before 2027.
Supporting the endorsement, Deacon Charles Obih, National President of the Market Leaders Association of Nigeria (TMLAN), said Igbos in Lagos were ready to mobilize support for President Tinubu’s re-election.
“We will ensure that President Tinubu’s re-election is seamless by the grace of God. He has handled Nigeria’s long-standing challenges with courage,” Obih stated.
Similarly, Dr. Okey Anorue, Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo/Bayeku and Babaloja of Tejuosho Market, called for unity and understanding between both ethnic groups ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We must change the narrative of division. The Yorubas are our hosts, and we must respect their culture. When in Rome, behave like the Romans,” he advised.
Chief Amaka Chibuzor, Ndigbo Women Leader of Coker-Aguda, also pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election, urging Igbo women in Lagos to “join the winning team.”
“The APC is the strongest party in Nigeria today, and we, the Igbo women, will do everything to ensure President Tinubu’s victory,” she said.
Other speakers, including Chief Ebere Odikonaba, former Woman Leader of Ndigbo in APC, Oshodi-Isolo, and Mrs. Uju Ofohre, APC Women Leader from Ejigbo LCDA, echoed similar sentiments, urging Ndigbo to reciprocate the goodwill shown by their Yoruba hosts through political support in the 2027 elections.
“The Yorubas have shown us love; it’s time to return that love at the polls,” Ofohre stated.
