Njiko Igbo Forum Rallies Support for Southeast Presidency in 2027

The aspiration of Mr Peter Obi to contest the presidency of Nigeria in the 2027 general election has received a major early boost from a group of eminent Igbos – the Njiko Igbo Forum.

The group said it was taking the political position out of the quest for justice and equity within the Nigerian political calculus.

In a press release issued late Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after an extraordinary meeting of its National Advisory Board and members of the National Executive Council (NEC), the forum reiterated that it would “always work assiduously to provide and protect the interest of Ndigbo in the wider community of Nigeria as a Nation.”

Founded 26 years ago, Njiko Igbo Forum is a socio-political platform affiliated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It has grown into a formidable movement, connecting Ndigbo both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

“We recognize and insist that the Igbo (Southeast zone) should be given a chance to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” the statement read.

This, it said, will be “justice, equity, and fairness”.

A Southern Handshake Across the Niger

The group also declared its intention to align with other ethnic nationalities for national unity.

It pledged to deepen cooperation with Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba group known for its long-standing push for justice and equity in Nigeria.

“We have agreed to work and support the ideals of Afenifere… and other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, for a better Southern and Northern Nigeria cooperation and integration,” the forum stated.

Their plan includes nationwide consultations with leaders across all six geopolitical zones — from the Middle Belt to the North West.

“We understand that no one single zone can produce the President of Nigeria, except with collaboration, cooperation and agreement of other zones,” the statement said.

The group stressed that the presidency has rotated across the North and South since 1999, but that the Southeast remains unfairly sidelined.

Backing Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Bid

While Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural group of Ndigbo, has refrained from backing any political candidate, NIF insists it is free to do so.

And its support is clear.

“Njiko Igbo Forum wants Southeast to be given a chance by Nigeria, and in so doing, Mr. Peter Obi to become the elected president in 2027,” the statement said.

“We will begin our strategic visits and consultations to the five geopolitical zones,” NIF promised.

The statement was signed by the group’s president, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha JP.

Obi, who came third in the fiercely contested 2023 election, remains a key figure in national politics and still enjoys a cult-like followership among mostly the youth population of Nigeria.

Many see him as a symbol of hope for a new political order — one driven by competence and accountability.

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