Traditional rulers across Igbo land in Nigeria’s South East have pledged to deliver at least 70% of the region’s votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Operating under the umbrella of the Ndi Igbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Council, the monarchs, led by their chairman, His Royal Majesty Eze Nnamdi Oforegbu of Abia State, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Eze Oforegbu said their visit was to express profound gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which they believe will accelerate infrastructural development in the region. They also praised the Deputy Speaker for his legislative efforts, particularly in sponsoring the bill that established the Commission.
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The monarchs offered royal blessings and prayers for Mr Kalu’s continued political growth and success.
“We are here to thank you,” Oforegbu said. “You are doing more than we expected. We have never witnessed such good works before. You sponsored the bill that enabled us to have the South East Development Commission. We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for appointing our sons and brothers to lead the SEDC. As you have promoted our people, God will also elevate you beyond your imagination.
“We assure you of our support for Mr President. We pledge to deliver 70% of our votes in the next election. We are behind you. If ever you need us to speak, we are ready.”
In response, Deputy Speaker Kalu commended the traditional rulers for their pledge and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to the South East.
“The President is a rewarder of loyalty,” Kalu said.
“He does not forget any act of support. For eight years before him, the South East did not occupy any position in the national leadership succession ladder. Yet, President Tinubu remembered us. He appointed an Igbo son as Deputy Speaker, a Chief of Naval Staff overseeing key sectors like oil and gas, and a Minister of Works.
“With your promise as traditional rulers, we will ensure the South East delivers nothing less than 70% of the votes. We will no longer waste our votes; we will invest them.”
Kalu also assured the monarchs that the parliament was working to enshrine a constitutional role for traditional rulers, recognising their critical contributions to national peace, unity, and security.
“We are working to give you a constitutional voice,” he added. “Traditional rulers are vital to maintaining peace in our rural communities, and Mr President holds you in the highest regard.”
