The need for urgent efforts to address the political marginalization of the Southeast region ahead of the upcoming presidential elections, formed the crux of a pivotal Leadership Conference organized by the Emerging Leaders Institute in Enugu, Enugu State.
The event attracted leaders of thought, academics, former public office holders, and civic advocates from the various states of the Southeast region.
The one-day event, with the theme, ‘The 2027 General Elections – Rethinking South East Leadership Roadmap Through Shared Regional Goals,’ served as a platform for participants to mirror the position of Southeast in Nigeria’s political landscape.
It culminated in a detailed communiqué reflecting a unified stance against what was described as the troubling exclusion of the region from mainstream political dialogue regarding presidential nominations.
The communiqué was 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.
The communiqué emphasized that since the return of democracy in 1999, the South East has suffered from severe political neglect, recalling that while the South West has produced two presidents and the South South one, the Southeast was 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, a development they termed “a grave injustice” that warrants urgent redress.
The conference identified key issues driving this political setback for Ndigbo to include, the absence of a cohesive leadership strategy and framework for political engagement with other regions, as well as a growing leadership vacuum due to the ineffectiveness of traditional political structures, including state governors and socio-cultural institutions such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Also identified was the trend of defections encouraged by the ruling APC-led Federal Government, and the increase in psychological and political alienation among Southeast 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 Southeasterner for the presidency in the 2027 elections.
Part of the conference communique read, “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.
“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from pursuing a second term and to endorse a South Easterner for a single-term presidency, and also to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside in favour of supporting the zoning initiative to the South East.”
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.
