lgbo Day 2026: Ohanaeze demands accountability, LG autonomy from S’East govs

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called on South-East governors to be held accountable for the misuse of public funds. This demand was made during the State of the Igbo Nation Address, a key part of the 2026 Igbo Day celebrations. Chief Richard Ozobu and Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, representing the Global Executive Committee, highlighted the persistent complaints about inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity, healthcare, education, and economic challenges faced by citizens in the South-East.

The organization emphasized the need for enhanced fiscal transparency and accountability in the management of both state and local government resources.

Every subnational government in the region must be ready to demonstrate the revenue received, its allocation, executed projects, measurable benefits to the people, and outstanding debts. Chief Jackson Omenazu faction of Ohanaeze urged the governors to respect local government autonomy and deliver tangible development. The organization described its demands as legitimate questions in any democracy and pledged not to confront any South-East administration.

It urged the governors to uphold democratic principles of local government administration, ensuring credible elections, accountable leadership, transparent finances, and institutions responsive to local needs.

Ohanaeze also reiterated its call for a peaceful and lawful resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu matter, demanding that South-East governors explain their progress in Kanu's release, remaining obstacles, and additional lawful measures. The group called for a coordinated process involving the Federal Government, South-East political leaders, legal representatives, and credible Igbo stakeholders.

Regarding the 2027 general elections, Ohanaeze reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu, urging Ndigbo's active and responsible participation in the democratic process. They emphasized that the political future of Ndigbo cannot be secured through isolation, necessitating constructive engagement, credible alliances, issue-based negotiations, and sustained national institution participation.

Ohanaeze urged political actors to present clear, measurable, and verifiable commitments on infrastructure, security, economic development, representation, constitutional rights, and national inclusion. Finally, the organization renewed its demand for the creation of an additional state in the South-East and called for sustained efforts in rehabilitating the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Eastern Railway Corridor, as well as intensifying efforts for federal road rehabilitation projects nationwide.