MICHAEL AKINOLA
The Igbo community in Lagos State has declared readiness to partner with progressive political forces in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This resolution was reached on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a strategic meeting held at the Igbo Community Centre, Eze Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Lagos.
The meeting was convened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 02, Hon. Monsuru Bello Obe, who met with Igbo critical stakeholders to present his blueprint as the best choice to represent the constituency in the Green Chamber in 2027.
The event opened with prayers led by Rev. Joe Ihitegbulem JP, the National Deputy Coordinator of the National APC Christian Leaders Forum of Nigeria (NACLFON). He prayed for a peaceful election on January 16, 2027, and for continued peace in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large. He also prayed for stronger partnership between Ndigbo in Lagos and the progressives for the continued development of the state.
The atmosphere was lively with cultural displays as members of the Igbo speaking community and Ohanaeze women, led by Hon. Mrs. Ifunnaya Ekeke and Chief Mrs. Uju Ofoha, sang and danced in welcome.
Introducing the aspirant, High Chief Sir Innocent Odinaka Iwu, the Onowu Ndigbo, Grand Knight of St. Mulumba, MD/CEO of Nakach Petroleum and Campaign Director of the Non-Ethnic Group for Hon. Obe Campaign Organization, said he volunteered to work for Hon. Obe because of his track record.
According to him, Hon. Obe’s performance as Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA for 8 years and his inclusive relationship with Ndigbo is clear for all to see. He reminded the gathering of the Igbo proverb, “Ebe Onye Bi Ka O Na Awachi,” meaning that one must protect and develop where one lives.
He urged Ndigbo to work with the Yoruba people, especially in Lagos State, as critical partners and not as competitors in political matters.
Also speaking, a respected Ohanaeze leader, the Otugbu Inyinya Ndigbo of Isolo, advised Ndigbo present to mobilize and vote for Hon. Obe in the January 16, 2027 election.
In the same vein, a prominent businessman, High Chief Israel Orjikwe, popularly known as “Igwe Ajao Estate,” and MD/Chairman of Golden Destiny Group of Hotels, said he cancelled urgent business appointments to attend the meeting. He advised Ndigbo in Lagos to avoid politicians who use ethnic sentiments to get elected and later abandon the people, stressing the need to work with trusted and inclusive leaders like Hon. Obe to protect the political interests of Ndigbo in Lagos.
Another traditional leader, Eze Nicholas Njoku, Eze Ndigbo of Agbaka, Ejigbo LCDA, openly declared that Hon. Obe’s 8-year tenure as Chairman transformed Ejigbo, especially in road infrastructure and accessibility. He pledged to support Hon. Obe’s ambition to represent Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 02.
Responding, Hon. Monsuru Bello Obe, who was overwhelmed by the testimonies about his past performance, promised to attract critical constituency projects to Oshodi-Isolo if elected.
He acknowledged Eze Dr. Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, Igbo 1, Eze Ndigbo Lagos State, whose official residence is designated as the Igbo Community Centre by the Lagos State Government, as his father. He thanked all Ndigbo present, especially Eze Nicholas Njoku, for their support and solicited fatherly blessings and prayers from the traditional rulers.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the Igbo stakeholders to work as partners in progress for the development of Lagos State.
