The Igbo People’s Pledge of Allegiance to President Tinubu: A Political Overture in the South East
The political landscape of Nigeria is constantly shifting, with alliances forged and broken in the pursuit of power and influence. Recent developments suggest a significant realignment in the South East, a region traditionally seen as a stronghold of opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a prominent Igbo politician, has publicly declared that the Igbo people will deliver over 70% of their votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. This declaration, made during a grand reception held in his honor in Abia State, signals a potential seismic shift in the political dynamics of the region. Kalu framed this pledge as a gesture of gratitude for President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the South East, particularly his pivotal role in establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Kalu’s assertion is rooted in the belief that President Tinubu has finally addressed a long-standing grievance of the Igbo people, stemming from unfulfilled promises made after the Nigerian Civil War. He emphasized that previous administrations had failed to deliver on the promise of rehabilitation, reconstruction, and reconciliation, a promise made by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon in the aftermath of the war. The establishment of the SEDC, according to Kalu, is a tangible demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to the South East’s development, making him the first president to effectively address this historical grievance. This action, Kalu argues, resonates deeply with the Igbo people, who value loyalty and reciprocation, and will translate into overwhelming support for Tinubu in the next presidential election.
However, Kalu’s optimistic projection of 70-80% support for Tinubu in the South East should be viewed with a degree of caution. While the SEDC undoubtedly represents a significant step towards addressing the region’s developmental needs, it remains to be seen whether this single initiative will be enough to sway the predominantly opposition-leaning electorate. The South East has historically been a bastion of support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties, and deep-seated political loyalties are unlikely to be easily overturned. Furthermore, the complex interplay of ethnic and religious identities, along with other socio-economic factors, will significantly influence voting patterns in the region. Kalu’s projection, therefore, appears more aspirational than realistically achievable at this juncture.
Further complicating the political landscape in the South East is the apparent tension between the federal government and the Abia State government. Kalu denounced alleged attempts by the Abia State authorities to discourage traditional rulers from engaging with federal government officials, particularly those associated with President Tinubu. He criticized this as an undemocratic practice, emphasizing that the election season is over and that it is now time for governance and cooperation. This incident underscores the ongoing power struggles between the ruling APC at the federal level and the opposition-controlled Abia State government. Such tensions could potentially undermine Kalu’s efforts to build support for Tinubu in the region, as they reinforce existing political divisions and distrust.
The creation of the SEDC undoubtedly represents a significant milestone in addressing the historical grievances and developmental needs of the South East. Whether this translates into the overwhelming electoral support for President Tinubu that Kalu envisions remains to be seen. The political landscape of the South East is complex and multifaceted, influenced by a range of factors beyond a single developmental initiative. Deep-rooted political affiliations, ethnic and religious identities, and socio-economic considerations all play a crucial role in shaping voting patterns. Moreover, the ongoing political tensions between the federal government and the Abia State government add another layer of complexity to the situation. While Kalu’s pledge reflects a desire for closer ties between the South East and the ruling APC, the path towards achieving such a dramatic shift in political allegiances is likely to be long and challenging.
In conclusion, Kalu’s declaration of overwhelming Igbo support for Tinubu in 2027 is a bold political statement, signifying a potential realignment in the South East. While the establishment of the SEDC is a positive step, it is unlikely to single-handedly transform the region’s political landscape. The interplay of various factors, including historical allegiances, identity politics, and ongoing political tensions, will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections in the South East. Kalu’s projection should be viewed more as a political aspiration than a guaranteed outcome. The true test of Tinubu’s appeal in the South East will unfold in the years leading up to the election, as his administration’s policies and actions are scrutinized by the electorate.
