RismadarVoice Reporters
October 14, 2026
Former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr Eme Okoro, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the South should retain the presidency until 2031.
Okoro also rejected the notion that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma could speak for the entire Igbo nation, insisting that no individual political leader had the authority to determine the collective political position of the South-East.
Speaking in Umuahia, Okoro, who described himself as a former political ally and supporter of Atiku, said his position was informed by considerations of equity, political strategy and regional inclusion.
He argued that Atiku should consider supporting Obi, a former Anambra State governor, rather than seeking the presidency himself in 2027.
According to Okoro, allowing the South to complete an eight-year presidential cycle before power returns to the North in 2031 would promote fairness in the country’s political arrangements.
The former government official maintained that political calculations ahead of the next general elections should extend beyond individual ambitions and ethnic considerations.
Okoro also criticised what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East under the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
He cited the disruption of railway services across the region as an example of what he considered inadequate federal infrastructure investment.
According to him, the South-East deserved greater attention in national development planning, particularly in transportation and other critical infrastructure.
He questioned the commitment of the ruling party to addressing the region’s concerns, arguing that political support should be accompanied by meaningful development and inclusion.
On the case involving Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, Okoro called on South-East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo to coordinate their efforts towards securing his release through appropriate channels.
He expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as a lack of unity among regional political leaders on the matter.
Okoro maintained that discussions concerning Kanu should transcend party affiliations and individual political interests.
Addressing the political influence of Governor Uzodinma, he argued that the Imo governor’s position should not automatically be presented as representing the views of all Igbo people.
He called for broader consultation among South-East stakeholders on major political and regional questions.
The former SSG further urged political leaders in the zone to prioritise shared developmental concerns, strengthen cooperation and avoid allowing personal ambitions to overshadow regional interests.
His remarks reflect his personal political position as parties and stakeholders continue discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
