A faction of the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has alleged a political conspiracy to derail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the faction’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, claimed that the conspiracy is a coordinated effort involving political, ethnic, and religious coalitions, driven by dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of economic challenges and insecurity.
Isiguzoro stated that the plot is backed by influential figures, including two former Presidents, past military Heads of State, opposition elites, and disaffected factions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, these groups have gained tacit support from international stakeholders to destabilize Tinubu’s administration.
“This coalition of dissent is spearheaded by powerful individuals who are capitalizing on the current economic hardships and insecurity. These groups aim to undermine President Tinubu’s leadership and pave the way for their political ambitions,” he said.
He further alleged that Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and four Southeast governors have joined this coalition, using their influence to sway public opinion against Tinubu while undermining the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State.
The faction claimed that these governors are attempting to exploit Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership to mobilize the Igbo population against Tinubu. Isiguzoro warned of their intent to form alliances with Northern political blocs to galvanize support for their agenda.
“This is a calculated effort to exploit the grievances of Nigerians, particularly Igbos, to incite discontent and push a narrative of dissent against Tinubu. They aim to position themselves as agents of change while sowing division,” he said.
The statement also accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma of betrayal, referencing his controversial purchase of the APC presidential nomination form for former Senate President Ahmad Lawan in 2023. The group further alleged that some factions in the APC conspired with the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine Tinubu during the 2023 primaries.
“These factions aim to force President Tinubu to accede to their demands, thereby jeopardizing his alliances with key South-South and Southeast figures such as Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu,” Isiguzoro added.
The faction urged Tinubu to take decisive action to address economic hardships and insecurity, warning that these issues could be weaponized by those plotting against him.
“They intend to use the suffering masses as a tool to further their selfish ambitions for 2027. President Tinubu and Wike are the primary targets of this plot, which seeks to hijack Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a platform for political manipulation,” the statement concluded.
The allegations come amidst growing political maneuvering as Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, with Tinubu’s administration facing scrutiny over economic and security challenges.
