The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the South-East All Progressive Congress (APC) for endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, citing the marginalization of the Igbo people under his administration. According to Comrade Adolphus Ude, National Coordinator of ADC Like-Minds, the endorsement is driven by the selfish interests of South-East APC governors rather than the welfare of the Igbo people.
The endorsement was made during a high-level meeting in Enugu, attended by three APC governors, lawmakers, and other party leaders. Ude, a former Deputy Chairman of APC in Enugu State, argued that the governors are seeking to strengthen their individual relationships with the President, rather than addressing the needs of the South-East region.
Ude pointed out that the Tinubu administration has failed to allocate sufficient federal infrastructure, intervention funds, and political appointments to the South-East. He noted that the region has suffered significant marginalization since Tinubu took office in May 2023. The ADC coordinator questioned the benefits of the endorsement, citing the destruction of Igbo properties in Lagos and the lack of tangible benefits for the masses in Igboland.
The South-East governors have been accused of pursuing an alliance with the federal government to advance their personal interests, rather than prioritizing the development of the region. Ude criticized the governors for investing in luxury projects, such as hotels and state airlines, while taxing the poor masses heavily. He argued that the region’s economic potential is being neglected, citing the example of Dr. Michael Okpara’s leadership in the 1960s, which transformed the Eastern region into a thriving economy.
Ude also highlighted the significant disparity in federal allocations between Lagos State and the South-East region. He noted that the allocation to local governments in Lagos State alone is larger than the allocation to the five states of the South-East. The ADC coordinator challenged the governors to disclose the monetary value of projects approved for the South-East region, compared to the trillions of naira allocated to Lagos State.
The controversy surrounding the endorsement has sparked concerns about the marginalization of the Igbo people and the neglect of the South-East region. As the 2027 general elections approach, the ADC’s criticism of the APC’s endorsement is likely to fuel further debate about the region’s political representation and economic development.
