The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Monday stated that last Saturday’s by-election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) win most of the seats, provided a clear indication of what will happen in the 2027 general election, pleading with the southeast to support the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu-led government.

In a statement, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, analysed that the significant underperformance of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has elicited a profound sense of dismay and disillusionment throughout Nigeria, adding that Ohanaeze will not be deceived again.

He also added that the unexpected victories of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State over ADC candidates, especially those supported by the former Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, clearly demonstrate that Governor Chukwuma Soludo maintains a strong grip on Anambra politics, not Obi.

“The results not only diminish Mr. Obi’s perceived influence but also prompt critical examination of the ADC’s viability as a credible and consequential opposition party, and it also serves as a vital indicator, revealing a concerning disparity between the expectations of the electorate and the demonstrable capabilities of the ADC,” he said.

He urged the Igbos to be wise and join other relevant stakeholders in engaging in constructive dialogue to comprehensively re-evaluate strategies and collaborate earnestly to forge a future that embodies the collective aspirations and hopes of all Nigerians.

He further stated that “as we reflect on these results, the Igbo people, now more politically astute than ever, are unwilling to entrust their collective future to a weakened opposition party, whether it be the ADC or the Labour Party.”

He added, “Given these developments, the stark reality of the ADC’s electoral failures has engendered considerable apprehension within the Nigerian populace concerning the party’s capacity to offer meaningful opposition or a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It is a matter of deep concern that, despite considerable anticipation that the ADC would secure a substantial number of seats, the party failed to achieve even a single victory in this crucial electoral exercise.

“Furthermore, we implore Mr. Peter Obi to rigorously reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for Igbos will not accept a one-term condition.

“The recent electoral defeats of his ADC-supported candidates serve as a stark reminder of the formidable challenges that await him.

“The Southeast governors and Igbo political leadership, under the leadership of Senator David Umahi, have publicly expressed their intention to deliver a significant portion, up to 90 per cent, of the Southeast votes to President Tinubu.”