ADC Chieftain Condemns South-East Ex-Governors' Endorsement of Tinubu as Isolated Act
Ambassador Lotanna Ikebunwa, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a House of Representatives aspirant for the Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo federal constituency in the 2027 general election, has issued a strong rebuttal against former South-East governors who recently endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term. In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Nnewi, Ikebunwa dismissed the endorsement as a personal decision by the ex-governors, asserting that it does not reflect the will or interests of the South-East populace.
South-East Former Governors Forum Endorses Tinubu
The "South East Former Governors Forum" was formally inaugurated in Enugu on April 7, 2026, with David Umahi, the current Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi state, leading the group. They endorsed President Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing his "inclusive appointments" and "infrastructural revolution" in the South-East region. However, Ikebunwa sharply criticized this move, arguing that the former governors have failed to address perceived injustices and marginalization affecting the Igbo people under the current administration.
Ikebunwa stated, "The former Southeast governors are moneybags. Anybody who has the interest of Nigeria at heart cannot be doing such an endorsement. They're not speaking on behalf of the Southeast people - their endorsements are personal to them." He further emphasized that many Nigerians are joining the ADC in search of change, but individual endorsements driven by financial incentives do not represent the collective voice of the Igbo community.
Ikebunwa Unveils Developmental Plan and Confidence in 2027 Victory
During the inauguration of the "Good Governance Initiative," an ADC support group, Ikebunwa presented his 12-point legislative and developmental agenda, titled "Four Years Developmental Plan For Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo." He highlighted that the constituency is a dynamic economic zone in Nigeria but has suffered from inadequate government presence and representation. Ikebunwa pledged to champion people-focused policies, sponsor impactful bills, and attract strategic projects to drive economic prosperity if elected.
Expressing confidence in his electoral prospects, Ikebunwa declared, "I know the aspirants campaigning from different political parties for this same position, and I am the only aspirant who can defeat all of them. If handed the flag of ADC, I'll lash candidates of APC, APGA, and others, and secure victory for ADC." He also referenced the incumbent House of Representatives member's previous electoral performance, noting that he lost his polling unit and ward in the 2023 election, with votes from Ikebunwa's community securing the victory, bolstering his claim to superiority.
Event Highlights and Broader Political Context
The occasion featured remarks from Chief Ibeokonkwo Michael, the chairman, who lamented past political representatives' failures and commended Ikebunwa's efforts in promoting good governance. A significant moment occurred when Ikebunwa donated a plot of land worth ten million naira to the "Peaceful Ladies" women's support group, with coordinator Ngozi Anuligo expressing gratitude and assuring support for his candidacy.
This development occurs amid broader political maneuvers, as opposition leaders from the ADC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Atiku Abubakar, recently held a closed-door meeting in Abuja to discuss strategies for challenging President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. The South-East region remains a focal point in Nigeria's evolving political landscape, with figures like Ikebunwa positioning themselves as alternatives to established endorsements.
