2027 Not best time for Igbo Presidency, South-East belongs to APC — Senator Nwaebonyi

The lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Central Senatorial District and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has said the current political configuration in Nigeria does not favour the emergence of an Igbo president in 2027, insisting that the South-East must carefully time its push for the presidency.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Nwaebonyi stated, “We must tell ourselves the truth, the political permutation as at present does not favour an Igbo man to be President of Nigeria. We know the best time to strike.”

The senator, however, expressed confidence that the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president, stressing that the region must align strategically within the country’s broader political realities.

On the growing influence of the All Progressives Congress in the South-East, Nwaebonyi claimed the ruling party was gaining widespread acceptance in the region due to federal appointments and infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“South-East people are for APC unconditionally. APC has shown the people of South-East love in an extraordinary manner,” he said.

He cited projects such as the Onitsha–Enugu and Enugu–Abakaliki highways as evidence of increased federal attention to the region.

Addressing the recent amendment of the Senate Standing Rules, the senator dismissed suggestions that the changes were targeted at any individual or designed to influence the 2027 political process.

“The rules were not amended to affect a particular person. Our concern is just experience and the retention of institutional memory,” he said.

Nwaebonyi explained that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers to review its internal procedures and argued that the reforms reflected present political realities.

He noted that under the amended rules, only sworn-in senators can participate in the election of presiding officers, describing the previous arrangement as flawed.

“It is only when you are a confirmed Senator that you can start performing your functions,” he said.

The senator also defended the new requirement mandating at least eight years of legislative experience for anyone seeking Senate leadership positions.

“Minimum of second term, by implication, this is to ensure experienced hands pilot the affairs of the Senate,” he added.

Speaking on the economy, Nwaebonyi admitted that Nigerians were facing hardship but blamed the situation on the failures of previous administrations.

“As a leader in this country, I must admit that all is not well. But the problem we are facing today is the failure of past administrations,” he said.

He nevertheless expressed optimism that the reforms being implemented by the current administration would eventually produce positive outcomes.

“We are not yet seeing the full results, but at least we are starting well,” he stated.

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