President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could be inching closer to a second term victory after he gained an overwhelming endorsement from Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, governors, and ministers from the South-East extraction.

This was contained in a communique issued and signed by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Chief Chinenyeze, Professor Mrs. Nneoma Ukpabi, and Chief Alex Okemiri for the 2025 annual Igbo Day celebrations with the theme “IGBO EKUNIE” The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise held across the seven Igbo-speaking states.

The statement disclosed the endorsement ends the long 73-year-old Igbo-Yoruba rivalry.

It noted that this was honoured by dignitaries from all sectors of Nigerian society and members of the global Igbo diaspora, uniting in a resolute homage to their rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions.

Part of the communique read: *“In a profound display of unity and reverence, interfaith prayers were held at the Afikpo Central Mosque in Ebonyi State on September 26, followed by a Sabbath Divine Worship at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, on September 27, and culminating in a global church service at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt on September 28.

“These ceremonies constituted earnest supplications for the restoration of peace, security, divine providence, and spiritual healing for all of Igboland, which is home to an extensive Igbo population across thirteen states. Special prayers were offered for the souls of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in advancing the cause of the Igbo people, seeking atonement and enduring prosperity for our community, both domestically and in the diaspora.

“Upon concluding extensive deliberations during the grand finale in Port Harcourt and engaging in a thorough reappraisal of Igbo political, economic, and social history, participants reached a collective consensus and adopted the following resolutions:

End the 73-Year Igbo-Yoruba Rivalry: The unresolved misunderstanding among members of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which hindered the elevation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to the position of Premier of the Western Region in 1952, initiated a bitter rivalry that has plagued both the Igbo and Yoruba peoples for over seven decades.

The participants of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebrations hereby recommend bold steps towards reconciliation, advocating for an end to this longstanding strife in the best interests of Ndigbo. We emphasize the necessity of forging a new alliance with the Yoruba nation.

The significant Igbo investments and economic footprint in Lagos and the Southwest are larger than the economies of numerous small African nations. The late Yoruba sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, exemplified bravery and unity by selecting Chief Philip Umeadi as his Vice Presidential candidate in the 1979 elections, a gesture that must inspire us to heal and collaborate.

In acknowledgment of the Igbo nation’s recognition of President Bola Tinubu’s government — which has made strides to favour the Igbo despite electoral opposition — we extend an earnest handshake of peace to Afenifere and other Yoruba leaders, affirming our commitment to end this 73-year rivalry.

Unwavering Support for President Tinubu’s Administration: Ndigbo recognizes and commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment and strategic efforts to strengthen the nation’s economy through the inclusion of Nigeria in the BRICS bloc. We commend his administration for addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficits plaguing our nation, and we acknowledge his dedication to resolving the prevailing insecurity in the Southeast, as well as the urgent need to rectify the region’s historically neglected infrastructure.

A Historic Turning Point for the Southeast: It is a notable fact that President Tinubu stands as the first Nigerian leader to prioritize the Southeast and the Igbo Nation, despite the region’s rejection of his candidacy in the 2023 elections. His attentiveness to road projects, infrastructure, and good governance signifies a clear deviation from previous administrations, which habitually neglected and strategically excluded the Southeast.

Applause for David Umahi’s Infrastructural Masterpiece: Ndigbo wholeheartedly celebrate President Tinubu for his ambitious ₦5 trillion road project initiative in the Southeast, a move that has restored confidence and hope among our people. We also recognize the exceptional contributions of Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, whose impactful achievements have garnered applause throughout Nigeria. There is a resounding call from the Igbo community for Umahi to retain his ministerial position until 2031, accompanying President Tinubu’s tenure.

Support for Asiwaju President Tinubu’s Uninterrupted Presidency Until 2031: It is the unified decision of Ndigbo, in concert with Southeast governors and serving ministers, to suspend support for the opposition and rally behind President Tinubu’s government for a full eight-year term.

Demands for Strategic Development in Igboland: We call for the rapid release of funds designated for the construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri standard gauge railway, a project recently approved by the Federal Government, which is paramount for the economic revitalization of the region.

Revitalization of Abandoned Igbo Projects: Ndigbo emphatically demand the resuscitation of critical initiatives, including the Enugu Coal Mine, the dredging of the Azumiri Seaport in Ukwa East, Abia State, and the restoration of the Ivo Dam, alongside the revitalization of other Federal Government facilities that have suffered neglect in the Southeast for decades.

Cultural and Language Preservation: The resuscitation of the Igbo language and culture is of utmost importance. We earnestly urge Southeast governors to establish world-class Igbo language studies and research centers at state-owned universities while advocating for the adoption of Igbo as the official language in all primary and secondary schools within Igboland.

Security Improvements: We note with cautious optimism the ongoing improvements in the security landscape of the Southeast, particularly following the dissolution of the Monday Sit-at-Home order. We commend the efforts of the Federal Police in their commitment to restoring security, stability, and peace to our region.”