By Isaac Mission
A coalition of socio-political and advocacy organisations in the South-East has thrown its weight behind Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and the party’s Enugu State governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition comprises the South East Village Boys (SEVB), South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) and South East Equity Group (SEEG).
The groups announced their endorsement during a strategic meeting held in Enugu, where they reviewed political and socio-economic developments affecting the country and the South-East region.
Coordinator of the coalition, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, said the decision to support Obi and Ohaa followed an assessment of their records, leadership capacity and the need for what he described as equitable representation in government.
Obioha said the coalition would mobilise support for both candidates and work towards securing their victories in the 2027 elections.
According to him, the South-East deserves an opportunity to produce Nigeria’s president, arguing that the region has not occupied the country’s top executive position since independence.
“The South East has never had the executive powers of this country to lead this country, either as a Prime Minister or as a President. So we feel that it is our turn,” he said.
He said the coalition was seeking only a four-year presidential tenure for the South-East as part of what he described as a fair power-sharing arrangement between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Obioha also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly over economic conditions and electricity supply.
He alleged that the government had not met some of its major campaign promises and maintained that worsening power supply was having a damaging effect on households, businesses and industries across the region.
According to him, access to reliable electricity should be a major priority for any government seeking to stimulate economic growth.
Obioha expressed support for Obi’s proposed approach to the power sector, particularly his plan to increase electricity generation, transmission and distribution capacity to about 10,000 megawatts.
On Enugu politics, the coalition coordinator criticised Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as inconsistent with what he claimed were the political preferences of many people in the South-East.
He argued that Enugu had the technical expertise required to address its electricity challenges but had not fully utilised its human resources.
Obioha specifically mentioned former Ministers of Power Prof. Barth Nnaji and Prof. Chinedu Nebo, saying their experience could be deployed to help the state achieve greater energy independence.
He also highlighted Ohaa’s experience as a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Power, describing it as an advantage in addressing Enugu’s infrastructure and electricity challenges.
The coalition said it believed that an Obi-led federal government working alongside an Ohaa administration in Enugu would provide a stronger platform for economic development, infrastructure expansion and improved power supply in the South-East.
Earlier, National Chairman of the South East Village Boys, Chief Maxi Okwu, called on Nigerians to actively participate in the 2027 elections.
Okwu urged voters to use their ballots to demand better governance, arguing that electoral participation remains a key avenue for replacing ineffective leadership.