Group slams Umahi, Kenneth Okonkwo over comment on 2027 presidency

A leading Igbo socio-political organisation, the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), has sharply criticised the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, over their recent remarks regarding the 2027 presidential election and the political future of the South East.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, IWA described Senator Umahi’s assertion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been “very fair” to the South East — and that the region should abandon its presidential aspirations to support Tinubu’s re-election — as “defeatist and sycophantic.”

“Senator Umahi must present concrete proof of this so-called fairness,” the group demanded. “Can he publish the names of South Easterners appointed as heads of key federal agencies and parastatals under Tinubu’s administration? What, exactly, has President Tinubu done differently to reverse the marginalisation of Ndigbo?”

The group pointed out glaring disparities in federal representation, noting that although the South East has five ministers in the current cabinet, two hold only junior portfolios, while a single South West state controls three ministries.

IWA also expressed frustration over the stalled Enugu-Aba railway project and the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing both as indicators of political exclusion.

IWA also condemned recent comments by Kenneth Okonkwo, former Labour Party spokesperson, who said only a Northern candidate could defeat President Tinubu in 2027. The group dismissed his remarks as “narrow-minded” and “disappointing,” particularly given his past vocal support for Igbo interests.

“After Nnamdi Kanu, Kenneth Okonkwo has been one of the most passionate voices for the Igbo cause. But this latest comment has left many of his admirers disillusioned,” the statement read.

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The women’s organisation reaffirmed its support for Peter Obi, stating that the former Anambra governor commands growing national support that cuts across ethnic and party lines due to his “competence, credibility, and commitment to justice.” IWA warned that dismissing Obi’s candidacy or undermining the South’s legitimate turn at the presidency could fracture the emerging coalition for political reform.

Turning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the group issued a stern warning: “If the ADC fields a Northern candidate in 2027, it risks losing support in the entire South. The presidency must complete its tenure in the South before power can justifiably return to the North.”

IWA urged Igbo political actors to prioritise the collective aspirations of the region and resist being manipulated or sidelined in national politics. “This is the time for unity, not betrayal. Igbo politicians must stop serving external interests at the expense of their own people,” the group concluded.

The statement comes amid growing political tension in the South East as various groups and individuals debate the region’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, especially in light of ongoing national security, economic, and governance challenges.