•Delegates target 20m votes for Igbo presidency

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Igbo National Council (INC) Worldwide ended the Igbo Nation Political Summit 2026 in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with a 10-point communiqué, calling for a unified Igbo political front ahead of 2027. 

Held under the theme “Building a Common Front of Igbo Political Bloc for National Relevance: Challenges and Prospects”, the summit drew political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, youth and women groups, industry captains, civil society, people with disabilities, and diaspora representatives from across Igbo states and abroad. 

Some of the key observations cited in the communiqué include “Political fragmentation which, they noted, has weakened the region’s national bargaining power; declining influence of Igbo leaders in federal governance structures; no unified political agenda to guide collective progress within Nigeria; youth disengagement from electoral politics across Igbo states, and insecurity”, which, they added, continues to undermine economic growth and stability. 

The communique signed by the President, Igbo National Council (INC) Worldwide, Chilos Godsent, and the Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee, Chuma Ugocha, resolved that their shall be a unified political bloc, and INC was mandated to consult pro-Igbo groups and leaders to form a cohesive bloc, transcending party lines. 

It further stated that there shall be an Igbo binding charter, outlining shared priorities and strategic objectives, mobilisation of youths and women for politics, leadership and governance, pursue partnerships with other Nigerian regions based on equity and mutual respect. 

Other resolutions contained in the communique are: INC to intensify demands for fairness and equitable representation in national affair; working with authorities and communities to restore peace across Igbo states; state governments urged to drive regional integration, infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies; INC to create structures for diaspora involvement in advocacy and development, reinforce the Council as the Central Coordinating Body for Igbo socio-political affairs, and to institutionalise the gathering as a yearly review and policy platform. 

The summit, therefore, urged Igbo political leaders to prioritise unity over party interests, asked traditional institutions to sustain cultural leadership, and called on youths and women to help shape the region’s political future. Delegates also set a target to mobilise 20 million votes for the “Igbo Nation Ballot Revolution 2027” and directed INC to pressure the Federal Government on marginalisation and equitable development. 

In its conclusion, the communiqué stated the summit “reaffirms the collective resolve of Ndi Igbo to rebuild political strength, foster unity, and secure a more influential and equitable position within Nigeria henceforth.” 

Notable among the Igbo leaders in attendance are: Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN), who is the Chairman of the Summit, and Ngozi Olehi (SAN).