… Says Igbos in FCT Won’t Put All Eggs In One Basket Again_
With less than 120 days to the 2027 general elections, political groups across party lines are already strategizing on modalities for mobilising support. One of such groups is the APC South East in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which recently reaffirmed its leadership to further strengthen its structure going into the polls.
In this exclusive interview with The Publisher, *Abel Lazarus*, the FCT APC South East Chairman, *Chief Micheal Iroakazi* speaks on how Ndi-Igbo’s alignment with the ruling party will benefit a region that feels neglected by the same party that once described the region as a dot in a circle.
*Excerpts:*
*Sir, can we meet you?*
My name is Chief Micheal Iroakazi, the APC South East Chairman, FCT.
*As APC South East Chairman FCT, how would you assess the political preparedness of Ndi-Igbo in the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections?*
Ndi-Igbo are now more enthusiastic and have higher political awareness than they were in 2023. Igbos in the FCT came out in their numbers and effected a change in the political history of the FCT. However, they were disappointed as their preferred candidate could not win the 2023 general election, thereby throwing them into political opposition, which has resulted in most of what people now see as marginalisation, as politics rewards efforts and loyalty.
Hence, going into the 2027 general elections, they have resolved not to throw all their eggs in one basket again.
*In 2023, the South East voted largely for the Labour Party. What is your party doing differently to win Igbo votes in FCT and Nigeria at large in 2027?*
Like I said earlier, the mistake of the 2023 elections where they threw all their eggs in one basket is now an eye-opener for Ndi-Igbo in the FCT. As such, aligning with the APC in the FCT and Nigeria at large is a resolution and not by coercion, because the gains of politics come from involvement and participation.
We have embarked on massive sensitization across the Area Councils. Our people now understand that being in opposition has cost us so much.
*What is your message to Igbos who feel APC has not favoured the South East in appointments and infrastructure?*
The APC has favoured the region, among which is giving the region a principal ministry, that is the Ministry of Works. It is a great reward to the region going by the minimal role played for the emergence of the current administration.
My candid advice to Ndi-Igbo in the FCT and Nigeria as a whole is to stop playing politics of opposition, rather embrace the politics of the centre.
*Why do you think it is important for Ndi-Igbo to align with the ruling APC at this time?*
It is inevitable for Ndi-Igbo to embrace inclusivity in politics. Today in the FCT, the few Ndi-Igbos in the corridors of power are doing great jobs in pushing for the wellbeing of their region and this could be a lot better if we align with the ruling party and have more people in positions of authority. The gains would be immeasurable.
If we are at the table, we can demand and get what is due to us.
*What are the major challenges facing Igbos living and doing business in the FCT today?*
There are no peculiar challenges facing Ndi-Igbo in the FCT today. The problem of demolition has grossly reduced. What Ndi-Igbo need is basically a space to express themselves in their businesses and other works of life; which you will agree with me is far better under the current administration compared to previous administrations.
Abuja is home for all of us and the current administration has been fair.
*How would you rate Igbo representation in FCT administration, AMAC and Area Councils?*
I can tell you today that the gains achieved are unprecedented. Today, an Igbo man is the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of AMAC, while another Igbo man is Secretary to Gwagwalada Area Council, a feat that has never been achieved before. This is simply because of the role Igbos played during the last Area Council Elections in the FCT.
It shows that when we participate and support, we are rewarded.
*What is the APC doing to ensure Igbos in FCT are not politically sidelined in the 2027 general elections?*
The party leadership in the FCT has assured us of inclusivity. We are in constant engagement with the FCT party chairman and other leaders to ensure that Ndi-Igbo are carried along in terms of candidacy, appointments and campaign structure. We will not be sidelined if we remain united and committed.
*How united is the APC South East in FCT? Are there internal crises?*
The South East APC in the FCT is more united today than ever. The evidence was the affirmation of its leadership a few days ago, unlike what is obtainable in other regions, and this we hope to continue to nurture going into the elections and after. Ndi-Igbo in the FCT are now more politically conscious of Nigeria’s politics and are ready to participate fully.
*What is your projection for APC’s performance in the South East and in FCT in 2027?*
The APC is doing wonderfully well in the region already, hence with the new orientation of not throwing all eggs in one basket, I am optimistic that the APC will perform very well across the South Eastern states as that will be the only grounds for us to demand for inclusion and development.
In the FCT, I can assure you APC will get massive votes from Ndi-Igbo.
*Finally, what is your direct appeal to Ndi-Igbo in FCT Abuja as we head to 2027?*
Personally, I have played the politics of opposition in the past and have suffered its consequences. Therefore, my appeal to Ndi-Igbo in the FCT and beyond is to embrace politics at the centre to avoid grounds for non-inclusion in the government. They should embrace a more balanced politics going into the 2027 general elections.
The region is heavily endowed with both human and natural resources but needs to align with the centre to attract more dividends of democracy.
