In the heart of Enugu on January 10, 2026, the Izu Ụmụnne gathering emerged as a beacon of hope and strategic foresight for ndị Igbo, marking a transformative moment in the political terrain of Nigeria’s Southeast. I witnessed first-hand the profound impact of this event, which drew together leaders, elders, politicians, and progressive minds from across Alaigbo and beyond. Far from being just another political assembly, the event embodies the cherished Igbo tradition of communal reflection, bonding, and forward planning, especially during festive seasons like Christmas and New Year. This convocation, organized by the Southeast chapter of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as a vital platform to evaluate our party’s progress, confront lingering challenges, and forge a unified roadmap toward greater integration and prosperity. In an era where political fragmentation has often side-lined our region, this notable event stands out as a call to action, urging ndị Igbo to embrace stability, inclusion, and national relevance through unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The importance of this event cannot be overstated. Rooted in the cultural ethos of our people, where families and kindred gather to assess the past and plan for the future, it transcended mere symbolism to become a catalyst for real change. Held at the historic Presidential Hotel in Enugu, it brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including governors, legislators, captains of industry, women and youth leaders, as well as grassroots supporters from the five states of the Southeast. This convergence fostered an environment of open dialogue where we could candidly address the self-imposed isolation that has plagued Alaigbo for decades. For too long, our region has suffered from misplaced loyalties to fleeting political platforms that offered promises but delivered marginalization. The event challenged this narrative by highlighting the APC’s proven commitment to equity and progress, demonstrating how strategic alignment with the national centre can amplify our voices and secure tangible benefits. It was a reminder that unity is not just a slogan but a practical strategy for overcoming divisions, healing old wounds, and building a cohesive front that positions the Southeast as an influential force in Nigerian politics.
At its core, the event underscored the urgent need for ndị Igbo to abandon the nomadic politics that has characterized our region, jumping erratically from APGA to PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and back again in pursuit of short-term gains. This instability has fragmented our strength, diluted our bargaining power, and perpetuated a cycle of underrepresentation. The gathering emphasized that the APC offers a stable alternative: a national platform with the machinery to integrate Alaigbo fully into the mainstream. Through initiatives like the ongoing E-Registration exercise and continuous voter registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the event called on all members and supporters to participate massively, ensuring we deliver overwhelming votes in the 2027 presidential election. This strategic engagement is essential for ending political wanderlust and securing positions of real influence, such as producing presidents, vice presidents, and key national officers. By rallying behind the APC, we can consolidate our gains and transform perceptions of marginalization into realities of empowerment.
The event’s significance is further amplified by the exemplary leadership showcased within the APC in the Southeast. Consider the towering contributions of Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, Chairman of both the South East Governors Forum and the Progressive Governors Forum, and the Renewed Hope Ambassador. His visionary guidance has not only united the party but also projected it as a formidable national entity. In Imo State, his administration has delivered unprecedented development through investments in infrastructure, security, and worker welfare, including the prompt implementation of a new minimum wage that exceeds national standards. This commitment to economic dignity has set a benchmark for progressive governance, inspiring confidence across the zone. Similarly, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has transformed the state’s terrain with focused policies in agriculture, education, and economic empowerment, consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda and improving lives at the grassroots level. The recent defection of Enugu State’s Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to the APC, along with his extensive network of leaders, lawmakers, and supporters, further illustrates the growing momentum, signalling that more discerning politicians recognize the party’s potential for delivering results.
Legislatively, the Southeast has benefited immensely from figures like Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, whose advocacy has advanced critical bills favouring our region. His sponsorship of the Southeast Development Commission Bill, now enacted into law, addresses long-standing infrastructural deficits and promotes sustainable growth. Additionally, his collaboration with Senator Osita Izunaso on the bill for creating Anim State aims to achieve zonal parity, enhancing representation and justice for ndị Igbo. These efforts, highlighted at the event, demonstrate how active participation within the APC yields concrete outcomes rather than empty rhetoric.
Economically, the Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered impressive results that warrant unwavering loyalty. The Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic one hundred trillion naira market capitalization milestone reflects renewed investor confidence and economic rejuvenation. Inflation, once soaring above thirty-four percent, has been tamed to around fourteen percent, with projections for single-digit levels soon. Prices of essential commodities, including food and petroleum products, have declined noticeably, providing relief during festive seasons and beyond. Upcoming refineries promise energy stability, while investments in mechanized farming, irrigation, agro-value chains, and agricultural institutions reduce import dependence and enhance food security. Security enhancements through intelligence-driven operations, international collaborations, decentralized policing, and forest guards have created safer environments, enabling farmers and businesses to thrive.
This significant event also served as a forum to reaffirm the APC’s core principles of family values, economic freedom, security, and national unity. As progressives, we must mentor our youths, empower women, and engage elders to build a vibrant party structure in every ward, local government, and state. This grassroots focus will end perceived marginalization through electoral dominance and active participation. The event inspired a pledge from attendees to champion the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring its implementation across Alaigbo and delivering massive support for President Tinubu in 2027 and beyond.
Critics may argue that past administrations overlooked the Southeast, but under President Tinubu, the evidence speaks otherwise. From massive infrastructural projects across the terrain to appointments that place ndị Igbo in strategic roles, his leadership has proven responsive and equitable. Continuing this support means investing in a future where Alaigbo leads in national discourse, contributes to policy-making, and enjoys shared prosperity. The event illuminated this path, showing that unity under the APC is the key to unlocking our potential.
As we move forward, the lessons from this historic event must guide our actions. It was more than an event; it was a manifesto for progress, urging ndị Igbo to embrace the APC’s stability and reject divisive politics. By doing so, we honour our traditions, secure our future, and strengthen Nigeria as a whole. President Tinubu deserves our continued backing for his transformative vision, and the Southeast, through gatherings like this, will rise to meet this challenge.
In reflecting on the broader implications, the event highlights how cultural traditions can intersect with modern politics to drive change. Our Igbo heritage of communal gatherings during festive periods provides a model for inclusive decision-making, one that the APC has adeptly adopted. This synergy has strengthened party cohesion, attracting defectors and building a united front. For instance, Governor Mbah’s move to the APC exemplifies how leaders are recognizing the party’s superiority in delivering development over regional outfits that lack national clout.
Indeed, Izu Ụmụnne was a watershed event that crystallized the importance of unity, progress, and strategic alignment for the Southeast. The dawn is here; let us walk boldly into it.
