Nigeria: APC Chieftain Urges Ndigbo to Embrace National Politics

What the report says

Chief Onyekachi Onyekwere, a Lagos-based businessman and APC chieftain, has called on Igbo voters to move away from ethnic or confrontational politics and back the All Progressives Congress as a way to deepen their role in national decision-making. The remarks were reported by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica, with Onyekwere speaking to journalists in Lagos.

In his comments, Onyekwere urged support for APC candidates in Abia State, especially the party’s governorship candidate, Eric Opia. He praised Opia as a young industrialist and philanthropist with ideas he described as forward-looking, and said he believed the candidate could improve governance in the state. He also said he and other supporters were meeting stakeholders to build backing for the APC ticket.

Onyekwere further encouraged voters in Abia to support President Bola Tinubu and described this as an “APC all the way” approach. He said the party’s strategy should help the Igbo gain greater influence in national politics, while also appealing for unity and a more central political posture. He separately pointed to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as a figure he sees as important to APC leadership in the South-East and said he was mobilising support for his senatorial ambition.

The comments come amid broader political competition in south-eastern Nigeria, where party loyalties and regional representation remain significant issues. The report presents Onyekwere’s views and campaign advocacy, but does not provide a response from APC opponents or from the individuals he endorsed.