Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, on his way to Igbere, made a brief stop at the residence of elder statesman and former civilian governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo. The visit culminated in a strategic meeting with Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, at Nwobodo’s country home in Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, where the trio held extensive discussions on the position of the Igbo in Nigeria’s political arrangement.
As political alignments and realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the closed-door meeting was described as both consultative and reflective, with a strong focus on the need for the South-East to clearly define its interests, strengthen internal unity and assert a more central role in the nation’s polity.
Speaking on the engagement, Senator Kalu said the discussions were centred on ensuring that the Igbo remain relevant and strategically positioned in Nigeria’s political space.
“We are discussing the position of the Igbo in the polity of Nigeria and how it will be good for all of us,” Kalu stated.
He stressed that political relevance was not optional for the region.
“It is the desire of the Igbo to be in the centre of affairs. We have no alternative than to be in the centre. It is not an option; it is a requirement.”
Kalu further disclosed that the conversation would be expanded to accommodate other Igbo leaders as part of efforts to build broad-based consensus.
Reacting after the yuletide visit by the two leaders on Wednesday evening, Chief Nwobodo said the engagement was driven by a determination to end the ambiguity surrounding the place of the Igbo in national affairs, warning that the region could no longer afford to be taken for granted.
“These are two very important Igbo men. They came to pay me a yuletide visit, and we also wanted to know the position of the Igbo in the scheme of things in this nation,” Nwobodo said.
He added that the time had come for clarity and concrete assurances.
“We don’t want anybody to deceive us or pretend that everything is okay. We want to know what Nigeria has for the Igbo, and this time around, we will get it.”
The elder statesman cautioned against symbolic or cosmetic inclusion, insisting that the Igbo must occupy a clearly defined and respected place within Nigeria’s power structure.
“We don’t want any photographic information. We want to know where the Igbo stand. We cannot be taken for granted for so long,” he added.
Nwobodo also revealed that consultations were ongoing among key stakeholders, calling for a meeting of serving and former governors from the South-East to collectively determine the political direction of the region.
“Let the present and former governors of the Igbo nation meet and take a decision. Others can meet and decide anything, but let our own governors meet and make a decision. We will definitely have a position for the Igbo,” he said.
On his part, Governor Peter Mbah underscored the importance of unity, warning that internal divisions could significantly weaken the region’s influence at the national level.
He described the meeting as part of an evolving process aimed at fostering cohesion and strategic engagement among Igbo leaders.
“As people of Igbo extraction, we must not do anything that would create division. There is a need for us not to be fragmented,” Mbah said. “The discussions we have had are evolving, and they will come to light in the days ahead.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical foundation, the Enugu State governor noted that the Igbo remain a critical pillar of the federation.
“Nigeria started on a tripod, and the Igbo are one of the legs of that tripod. It is extremely important that we continue to play a very critical role in our polity,” he said, adding that the region must shun fragmented politics in favour of a coordinated and strategic approach.
Mbah also said the visit provided an opportunity to pay homage to Chief Nwobodo, whom he described as an elder statesman who had distinguished himself in the service of Nigeria.
The meeting is widely viewed as part of renewed efforts by South-East leaders to forge a united front and reposition the Igbo more effectively within Nigeria’s evolving political equation ahead of 2027.
