…Faults Kenneth Okonkwo on 2027 assertion
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Igbo women under the aegis of the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), have slammed former Ebonyi State Governor and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over his recent claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fair to the South-East.
The group also disagreed with Nollywood icon Kenneth Okonkwo over his assertion that only a Northern candidate could defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
IWA described Okonkwo’s view as “narrow-minded and suspicious,” warning the renowned actor not to jeopardize the growing respect and support he enjoys among Ndigbo.
Recall that Umahi had, in a statement on Monday, said the presidency was not attainable for the South-East in 2027, urging Ndigbo to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid instead.
IWA expressed disappointment in the views expressed by both Umahi and Okonkwo, dismissing them as “empty, defeatist rhetoric.”
The group particularly lashed out at Umahi, accusing him of exhibiting “signs of slave mentality and a deepening sycophantic malady.”
In a strongly worded statement, IWA National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, challenged Umahi to publish what President Tinubu has done specifically for the South-East to justify his claims of special treatment.
According to IWA, there is little to distinguish Tinubu’s administration from that of his predecessors regarding the marginalisation of the South-East—particularly in political appointments.
“May we remind Umahi that Tinubu has not proven to be any different from Buhari in sidelining Ndigbo. Is Umahi not aware that two of the five ministers from the South-East in Tinubu’s cabinet are only junior ministers, while a single South-West state has three ministers?”
“Can Umahi publish the names of South Easterners appointed by Tinubu as heads of federal agencies and parastatals to back his claim of fairness? If he truly loves Ndigbo, as Umahi claims, why is our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, still in detention over two years into Tinubu’s presidency?”
“If President Tinubu really loves the Igbo, why is the Enugu-Aba rail line still non-functional? Is Umahi aware that every other geopolitical zone now has a regional development commission?”
The group acknowledged that while the marginalisation of the South-East did not begin with President Tinubu, he has done nothing so far to indicate a desire to end it.
IWA advised Umahi and other “sycophantic, self-centred Igbo politicians” to emulate their counterparts from other regions who prioritize regional interests over personal gain.
They lamented that rather than use their positions to advance the Igbo cause, many political elites from the region prefer to “blow the trumpets of their paymasters” to win favour—often to the detriment of the entire Igbo race.
“Our advice to Umahi is to look at the fate of other politically-correct Igbo elites who sang similar tunes in the past but were used and dumped.”
The group further urged Igbo politicians to refrain from attacking Peter Obi, whom they described as a credible leader widely accepted across Nigeria.
“Why can’t Igbo political elites join other Nigerians in supporting one of their own, whom the entire country seems to be rooting for? The suffering masses—regardless of ethnicity or religion—believe in reclaiming their country and will disappoint people like Umahi.”
On Kenneth Okonkwo’s statement that only a Northerner can unseat Tinubu in 2027, IWA cautioned the actor-turned-politician not to tarnish his rising profile and loyal following with “unguarded and suspicious political rhetoric.”
The group expressed disappointment, stating that Okonkwo had hitherto been highly regarded for his commitment to the Igbo cause.
“Igbo women respect Kenneth Okonkwo because he is one of the finest, most intelligent Igbo gentlemen. He has consistently defended Igbo interests. After Nnamdi Kanu, he is perhaps the most passionate advocate for the Igbo cause.”
“But this recent comment has left many of his admirers confused. That statement has no bearing. Is he now part of the cabal pinning Nigeria down? Is he saying that the ‘Take Back Our Country’ movement is no longer possible?”
“We don’t want Kenneth Okonkwo, who was a strong voice against the system, to chicken out so easily.”
The group urged him to stand firm and continue supporting the movement he once strongly identified with.
“His pessimistic outlook contradicts the current national mood, where many Nigerians believe the South East is now better positioned than ever to lead the country. Peter Obi’s candidacy is not just about an Igbo presidency; it’s about competence, equity, and rebuilding Nigeria.”
IWA advised Igbo political elites to stop undermining each other, noting:
“If Peter Obi could poll over six million votes in 2023 without a traditional political structure, imagine what he can achieve now with the momentum behind him.”
Meanwhile, IWA also issued a warning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is leading a political coalition, not to make the mistake of overlooking a Southern presidential candidate in 2027.
“No Northern presidential candidate will enjoy the sympathy of Southern voters in 2027. The presidency must remain in the South for eight years before rotating to the North again.”
“If ADC fails to give its ticket to a Southern candidate with broad national appeal—like Peter Obi—the coalition will lose Southern support and ultimately fail. The South is ready to cast off party and tribal sentiments to resist any move to hijack power.”
