2027: Igbo Youths Set Terms for Tinubu, APC to Earn Support

The All Igbo Youth Forum has announced its stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will depend on a critical political demand.

The declaration was made during a press conference and solidarity rally held at Awka Hall in Umuahia, where over 300 youths from across the South-East gathered to celebrate a recent legal victory for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The event later spilled into the streets, marked by a spirited march and chants in support of Kanu.

The development follows a June 26 ruling by the Kenyan High Court in Nairobi, which declared Kanu’s 2021 abduction and rendition to Nigeria as illegal and unconstitutional. Justice E. C. Mwita held the Kenyan government and its security agencies responsible, awarding Kanu damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings for the violation of his fundamental rights.

Describing the ruling as a major milestone and a validation of Kanu’s cause, the youths called on President Tinubu to respond to long-standing demands for Kanu’s release. Speaking on behalf of the group, President General of the All Igbo Youth Forum and former Deputy Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedum Obilor—popularly known as Fayose Ohuhu—warned that political support from the region’s youth cannot be secured without addressing the issue.

“Mr. President should not be deceived by empty assurances from Igbo political leaders,” Obilor said. “We, the youths, are in charge of Igbo land—not the senators, not the governors. If you release Kanu, you don’t need to give us rice or money to vote for you. But if you don’t, we will align with anyone who is willing to release him, regardless of tribe.”

He emphasized that the youth bloc represents a powerful and organized force whose political decisions will directly impact the outcome of the next elections. Obilor also criticized past inaction on appeals made by respected Igbo figures such as Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, saying this time the message is coming directly from the grassroots.

The group also warned Igbo politicians against using Kanu’s name for political gamesmanship. “We are warning our political leaders to stop using Kanu’s name to play politics. That era is over. They hold our mandate, and we can use our votes to take it back,” Obilor added.