2027: Enugu Conference Unites South Eastern Leaders to Demand Political Equity
…Resolve to Mobilize Against Parties Ignoring South East in Selecting Presidential Candidate
By Wilfred Chukwuma- Enugu
In a historic gathering on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, thought leaders, academics, former public office holders, and civic advocates from the South East region convened for a pivotal Leadership Conference organized by the Emerging Leaders Institute. The one-day event, themed “The 2027 General Elections – Rethinking South East Leadership Roadmap Through Shared Regional Goals,” served as a platform for participants to voice their deep concerns over the political marginalization of South Easterners ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
The conference culminated in a detailed communiqué reflecting a unified stance against what was described as the “worst political nightmare” for the South East, highlighting the troubling exclusion of the region from mainstream political dialogue regarding presidential nominations. The gathering marked a significant moment as attendees articulated their fears that the political climate is leaning towards the near-total sidelining of the South East from crucial candidacies in the upcoming elections.
The communiqué emphasized that since the return of democracy in 1999, the South East has suffered from severe political neglect. In the Southern pole, while the South West has produced two presidents and the South South one, the South East remains the only region yet to see a president from its ranks during the Fourth Republic.
Participants expressed grave concern over the alarming trend whereby major political parties appear poised to overlook the South East in their candidate selections for the first time since the 1999 elections. They termed this development “a grave injustice” that warrants urgent redress.
The conference provided a platform for extensive discussions on the myriad challenges facing political cohesion in the South East. Key issues identified included:
– The absence of a cohesive leadership strategy and framework for political engagement with other regions.
– A growing leadership vacuum due to the ineffectiveness of traditional political structures, including state governors and socio-cultural institutions such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
– A trend of defections encouraged by the ruling APC-led Federal Government, which participants argued has demoralized citizens without providing solutions to the persistent security and welfare challenges in the region.
– An increase in psychological and political alienation among South East residents who perceive themselves as excluded from national governance.
In response to these pressing concerns, the conference attendees announced the formation of the South East Enlightenment Group (SEEG), a newly established non-partisan political union with a mandate focused on regional enlightenment, mobilization, and fostering cross-regional alliances. The group’s primary objective is to ensure the candidacy of a South Easterner for the presidency in the 2027 elections.
The SEEG’s resolutions included several far-reaching recommendations:
– Political parties are urged to zone their presidential tickets exclusively to the South East.
– The South East will only lend support to political parties willing to present candidates from the region.
– South East governors or political figures undermining this agenda will face potential electoral consequences.
– An appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from pursuing a second term and to endorse a South Easterner for a single-term presidency.
– An appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside in favour of supporting the zoning initiative to the South East.
– The region is targeting a voter turnout of at least 90% for the 2027 elections.
Dr Godwin Udibe, the Director-General of SEEG, opened the conference discussions by emphasizing the critical need to reintegrate the South East into Nigeria’s political fabric, citing historical precedents that necessitated a balanced approach towards governance and representation.
Prof. Ifeanyi Onodugo further emphasized grassroots mobilization, advocating a bottom-up strategy to enhance party loyalty and civic participation.
Former Enugu State commissioner for Housing, Arc. Victor Okolo, urged the citizenry to become more engaged in the political selection process, stressing that political apathy has significantly compromised the region’s negotiating power.
Human rights lawyer Chief John Nwobodo took a bold stance, admonishing constituents for their complacency in holding leaders accountable. He encouraged citizens to actively leverage legal avenues to demand transparency and effective governance.
The communiqué was collectively signed by notable members of the SEEG, including Dr. Godwin I. Udibe, Prof. Ifeanyi Chris Onodugo, Prof. Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji, Arc. Victor Okolo and Hon. Chief Barr. John Nwobodo, among others.
Concluding the conference, participants reaffirmed their commitment to uniting the South East, restoring trust among the populace, and vigorously pursuing political equity through active democratic engagement.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
