The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to draw lessons from the outcome of the Osun state governorship election and strengthen his 2027 re-election strategy around measurable achievements and leaders with proven records of performance.

In a statement signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the election outcome showed that Nigerian voters were becoming increasingly conscious of accountability, visible development and effective leadership.

Ohanaeze said the victory of the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, should serve as a warning to political parties that political structures, assurances and party influence alone might no longer guarantee electoral success.

“The Nigerian electorate is becoming increasingly conscious, demanding accountability, visible development and leadership that directly improves the lives of citizens,” the organisation said.

The group therefore urged President Tinubu not to rely exclusively on political assurances from the APC Governors’ Forum and other party structures, but to build his 2027 campaign around individuals whose achievements could be clearly identified by Nigerians.

Ohanaeze specifically commended the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, describing him as a “performance-driven” leader whose work on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal highways had made significant impact, particularly across the Southeast.

According to the organisation, the ongoing federal road projects in the region had improved connectivity, created economic opportunities and addressed some of the infrastructure challenges that had persisted for decades.

“Senator Dave Umahi has consistently been one of the most vocal Southeastern voices, highlighting and defending the administration’s infrastructure agenda, particularly in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation,” it stated.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the limited public advocacy by some Southeast political leaders on the developmental achievements of the Tinubu administration, stressing that leaders seeking relevance must demonstrate clear records of service.

“The strongest pathway to success in 2027 is not merely through party structures, but through achievements that Nigerians can identify with and leaders whose performance commands genuine public support,” Ohanaeze said.