By Francis Wilfred
A leading All Progressives Congress (APC) figure in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has cautioned that even 90 percent of South-east votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election may not be sufficient. He claimed that the region is gradually becoming an APC stronghold but stressed that full consolidation is still required.
Ikonne, the immediate past Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), made the remarks during an interview on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Tuesday evening. He said the endorsement of Tinubu by South-east leaders underscores a strategic realignment of the region with the federal government.According to Ikonne, recent political developments show a weakening of Labour Party influence in the South-east. “Governor Alex Otti refused to follow Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) because he knew Obi won’t go far. Otti is no longer a factor as he does not even have a functioning party,” Ikonne said.
He also highlighted the ongoing efforts by APC leaders to engage Igbos living outside the South-east. “The votes from the South-east will not only come from those residing in the region but also from those outside. Using Abia as a case study, the PDP has nearly emptied into APC, and this trend will influence other states,” he explained.Ikonne described the endorsement by serving governors, former governors, ex-Senate Presidents, ministers, and other political leaders as a sign of South-east consolidation behind Tinubu. “Politics is about numbers and structure. When leaders who command followership align, the votes follow. This endorsement is a clear statement that the South-east is properly realigned with the center,” he said.He further downplayed the political influence of Peter Obi, suggesting that internal disarray within Obi’s ADC and weak party structures will hinder his chances in 2027. “If the only governor elected on his platform has effectively abandoned him, what does that tell you?” Ikonne asked, referring to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.The APC chieftain also dismissed recent criticisms of President Tinubu by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, asserting that the senator has lost relevance and cannot win re-election.Ikonne emphasized the economic and strategic reasons for aligning with the center. “Southeasterners are traders and businesspeople across Nigeria. We cannot afford to isolate ourselves from government. Aligning with the center benefits our businesses and strengthens our influence,” he said.He concluded by reiterating the APC’s growing dominance in the South-east. “The Igbos are not fools, and no Igbo man wants to make one mistake twice. The South-east will eventually become an APC stronghold, and with current endorsements, we are clearly moving in that direction,” Ikonne said.
