Enugu — A diverse coalition of past, present and emerging leaders from the South East has formed a new political platform aimed at securing the region’s claim to the Nigerian presidency in 2027. The development followed a major leadership conference held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Western Bricks International Hotel, GRA, Enugu. The event, organised by the Emerging Leaders Institute, brought together stakeholders who examined the theme: “The 2027 General Elections – Rethinking South East Leadership Roadmap Through Shared Regional Goals.”
Through presentations, papers and interactive discussions, participants agreed that the South East must urgently pursue clearly defined regional objectives built on the security of lives and property, the restoration of peace for legitimate enterprise, and the full reintegration of the zone into Nigeria’s top decision-making structures. They emphasised that these shared goals must culminate in the conscious pursuit of a Nigerian President of South East extraction in 2027, a development they described as both a matter of equity and a national imperative.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference, delegates warned that the 2027 elections present the bleakest political outlook for the South East since the end of the civil war in 1970. According to them, existing political dynamics point to a likely North–South West power rotation, leaving the South East excluded from meaningful contention. They noted with concern that under the current Fourth Republic, the South West has enjoyed the southern slot three times, the South South once, while the South East has never produced a president. For the first time, they added, no South East politician is likely to feature as presidential or vice-presidential candidate on any mainstream platform, and political parties may not even consider the region in their national conventions.
Participants also expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as the “poaching game” allegedly orchestrated by the APC-led federal government, involving the defection of governors and National Assembly members. They argued that such defections have neither improved the welfare of the people nor enhanced security in the region. Instead, they believe the moves have deeply wounded the morale, dignity and psychological confidence of South Easterners who yearn for reintegration through fair inclusion in national leadership.
Concerned by what they described as a crippling leadership vacuum—spanning elected officials, traditional rulers, council executives and socio-cultural organisations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo—the delegates resolved to establish a new, non-partisan platform known as the South East Enlightenment Group (SEEG). The body is expected to lead regional enlightenment, forge cross-regional alliances and champion the pursuit of a South East presidency.
The communiqué was signed by leading voices including Dr. Godwin I. Udibe, Prof. Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji, Prof. Ifeanyi Chris Onodugo, Sir Arc. Victor Okolo, Hon. Chief Barr. John Nwobodo (JP), Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike, Dr. Kenneth Nwankwo, Mr. Amechi Ezugwu and Dr. James Odoh. They jointly affirmed that the South East must mobilise unprecedented voter participation and support only political parties that present credible candidates from the region.