The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other South-East politicians must stop presenting their personal political ambitions as the collective decision of millions of Ndigbo. This was the position of Hon. Toyin Anibire Adams, popularly known as Obailukan, Founder and Convener of the Obailukan Strategic Support Group for Atiku (OSSAT), while reacting to Kalu’s recent claim that the South-East is ready to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another four years in 2027.
Obailukan queried: “Who authorised these politicians to speak for every voter in the South-East?” He asked whether the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), a few federal appointments, and some road projects are enough to conclude that millions of Igbo people have already decided to support Tinubu’s re-election.
He described the declaration as political grandstanding, warning that politicians should not mistake personal loyalty to the APC for the political mandate of an entire region. According to him, the 2027 general election will give the people themselves the opportunity to express their true political preferences, not a handful of officeholders dictating for them.
“Democracy is not about making declarations on behalf of the people. It is about earning their confidence through accountability, representation and tangible development,” Obailukan stated. He wondered why some South-East politicians are in a hurry to assure President Tinubu of another term when the region is still demanding greater political inclusion and a fair opportunity to produce the President of Nigeria.
Obailukan stressed that political loyalty must not come at the expense of the long-term aspirations of Ndigbo, noting that public endorsements by political leaders are not a guarantee of electoral support, as voters have the constitutional right to independently assess the performance of any government.
“The ballot box remains the only constitutional avenue through which Nigerians express their choices. In 2027, the election result will expose those who are deceiving the President with empty endorsements,” he added.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Media Executive to Hon. Toyin Anibire Adams (Obailukan)
Founder/Convener, Obailukan Strategic Support Group for Atiku (OSSAT)
