Igbo votes will no longer be taken for franted—Says IAD

Igbo votes will no longer be taken for franted—Says IAD

By Abubakar Yunusa

The newly formed Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD) has declared that the political support of the Igbo people will never again be taken for granted in Nigeria.

At its inaugural meeting in Abuja, the group insisted that any presidential candidate or political party seeking Igbo backing must sign a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Igbo nation.

The communique, signed by the convener, Chief Chekwas Okorie, and executive secretary Jonathan Elendu, said details of such agreements will be made public on verified platforms.

“This situation cannot continue,” the statement read.

“We must ensure Igbo votes are respected and tied to clear commitments.”

The Dialogue clarified that it is not a rival body to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which remains the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo, but a complementary platform focused on shaping a political agenda.

Delegates at the meeting also resolved to work towards an inclusive Igbo Political Summit in Enugu. The summit will bring together politicians, professional groups, town unions, women and youth bodies, and diaspora associations.

A major outcome of that gathering will be the adoption of an Igbo Charter—an ambitious political document expected to define the interests, rights, and responsibilities of Ndigbo within Nigeria. A committee of respected leaders and intellectuals will be set up to draft the charter.

The IAD expressed concern over the lack of a unified Igbo political front since the end of the civil war in 1970, blaming it for decades of marginalisation and alienation in Nigeria’s political space.

Participants stressed the need for mass mobilisation of voters, particularly young people, and urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

The group described the PVC as “far more potent than any rifle” in securing political freedom without bloodshed.

Beyond elections, the meeting endorsed the creation of a coordinated Igbo National Grid.

“This structure will integrate Igbo associations, unions, professional bodies, and diaspora networks into a formidable force for political influence, economic empowerment, and cultural revival.”

Echoing the words of nationalist leader Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Dialogue urged Ndigbo to reclaim their self-esteem and reassert their place in Nigeria.

The communique called for unity across party and religious divides, emphasising that collective action is the only path towards Igbo resurgence.

Participants expressed gratitude to Chief Okorie for convening the meeting and pledged full commitment to the success of the proposed summit and the adoption of the Igbo Charter.