Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands SE governors account for public funds, LG autonomy ahead of 2027 polls
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide criticized South-East governors' use of state funds in its 2026 Igbo Day address, citing public complaints about infrastructure deficits, unemployment, insecurity, healthcare, education and agricultural productivity across the region. The organization, represented by Chief Richard Ozobu (Imeobi) and Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro (Global Executive Committee), demanded governors demonstrate total revenue received, appropriation details, executed projects, measurable citizen benefits and outstanding obligations. Ohanaeze stressed local governments must operate independently from state administrations, upholding constitutional principles for grassroots governance through credible elections, accountable leadership and transparent finances. It also urged coordinated efforts with the Federal Government and legal representatives for a peaceful resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu matter, asking what progress SE governors have made toward his release. Regarding 2027 elections, Ohanaeze affirmed support for President Tinubu's re-election bid, urging Ndigbo to judge political commitments by verifiable deliverables on infrastructure, security, economic development and constitutional inclusion rather than rhetoric alone. The group renewed calls for an additional South-East state and sustained federal rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Railway Corridor and strategic interstate roads. While insisting its demands are legitimate democratic questions, Ohanaeze emphasized it seeks no confrontation with SE administrations, framing its position around the Igbo principle of 'Oguejiofo – Speak Truth to Power'.
Will SE governors respond with concrete fiscal transparency measures and LG autonomy reforms, or will these accountability demands remain unmet as citizens continue facing the infrastructure and economic challenges Ohanaeze highlighted?