2027: Ndigbo will Correct Past Mistakes, Abia Leaders Assure Tinubu

By Msugh Ityokura

8 January 2026

Politics

Abia State political leaders have assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of renewed support from the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging that Ndi Igbo will “correct past mistakes” by rallying behind his administration.

They spoke Wednesday during a New Year visit by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu to an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former senator, Chris Adighije, at Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

Speaking during the visit, Senator Adighije expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Deputy Speaker, pledging the support of the Olokoro clan, one of the three clans that make up Umuahia South for the administration’s development agenda.

He noted that Olokoro comprises 17 autonomous communities and four electoral wards, stressing that the President’s goodwill message had resonated widely in the area.

“Last time, we got it wrong and we should not repeat the same mistake,” Adighije said, adding that the people were ready to align politically going forward.

Kalu urged the people of Abia State and the South-East to take a strategic approach to national politics by supporting President Tinubu, whom he described as a leader who rewards loyalty and hard work.

He said the Igbo must begin to “invest their votes” where they can yield political dividends, arguing that votes remain the true currency of democracy.

According to the Deputy Speaker, supporting Tinubu, currently the dominant political force in the southern corridor is a necessary step towards strengthening the South-East’s bargaining power in future national negotiations.

“We must sow today so that we can reap tomorrow. If we fail now, it will be difficult later,” Kalu said, calling for political cooperation between the South-West and the South-East.

During a separate New Year visit, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, also praised Kalu’s legislative contributions, particularly his role in the establishment of the South East Development Commission.

Apugo commended the Deputy Speaker for empowering people across the state and for reshaping Abia’s political landscape through inclusive engagement with stakeholders.

He pledged his continued support for Kalu, urging him not to be deterred by political challenges.

In response, Kalu invited Apugo to formally join the APC, noting that such a move would strengthen the party’s support base in Abia State and honour Apugo’s late father, a founding member of the party.

He said the APC was open to all willing to work towards changing political narratives in the state, adding that “the train has already started moving.”