Igbo Position in Nigeria: Nwobodo, Kalu, Mbah Hold Strategic Talks

Elder statesman and former civilian governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, has hosted Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu at his country home, Amechi, Awkunanaw, Enugu, where the leaders held strategic discussions on the position of the Igbo in Nigeria’s political arrangement.

As political alignments and realignments continued ahead of the 2027 general election, the closed-door meeting was described as both consultative and reflective, focused on the need for the South-east to clearly define its interests, strengthen internal unity, and play a more central role in the country’s polity.

Speaking after the yuletide homage by the two leaders, Wednesday evening, Nwobodo said the engagement was driven by the desire to end ambiguity surrounding the place of the Igbo in national affairs.

He stressed that the region could no longer afford to be taken for granted.

“These are two very important Igbo men. They came to pay me a yuletide visit, and we also wanted to know the position of the Igbo in the scheme of things in this nation,” Nwobodo said.

He added, “We don’t want anybody to deceive us or pretend that everything is okay. We want to know what Nigeria has for the Igbo, and this time around, we will get it.”

The elder statesman warned against symbolic or cosmetic inclusion, insisting that the Igbo must have a clearly defined and respected place in the country’s power structure.

“We don’t want any photographic information. We want to know where the Igbo stand. We cannot be taken for granted for so long,” he stated.

Nwobodo disclosed that consultations were ongoing among key stakeholders. He called for a meeting of serving and former governors from the South-east to collectively decide on the political direction of the region.

The elder statesman stated, “Let the present and former governors of the Igbo nation meet and take a decision. Others can meet and decide anything, but let our own governors meet and make a decision. We will definitely have a position for the Igbo.”

Former Abia State governor and senator representing Abia North, Kalu, said the discussions centred on ensuring the Igbo remained relevant and strategically positioned in Nigeria’s political space.

Kalu stated, “We are discussing the position of the Igbo in the polity of Nigeria and how it will be good for all of us.

“It is the desire of the Igbo to be in the centre of affairs. We have no alternative than to be in the centre. It is not an option; it is a requirement.”

Kalu added that the conversation would be expanded to include other Igbo leaders in order to build consensus.

Mbah emphasised the need for unity and warned that internal divisions could weaken the region’s influence at the national level.

He described the talks as part of an evolving process aimed at fostering cohesion and strategic engagement.

“As people of Igbo extraction, we must not do anything that would create division. There is a need for us not to be fragmented,” Mbah said. “The discussions we have had are evolving, and they will come to light in the days ahead,” he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical foundation, the Enugu State governor stated that the Igbo was a critical pillar of the federation.

He said, “Nigeria started on a tripod, and the Igbo are one of the legs of that tripod. It is extremely important that we continue to play a very critical role in our polity.”

He stated that the region must adopt a strategic approach.

Mbah said the visit also served as an opportunity to pay homage to Nwobodo, whom he described as an elder statesman who had distinguished himself in the service of Nigeria.

The meeting is viewed as part of renewed efforts by South-east leaders to forge a united front and reposition the Igbo more effectively in Nigeria’s political equation.