Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has urged the South-East to reconsider its political strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning that the region could lose valuable political opportunities if it bases its decision solely on loyalty to a particular candidate.
Okorocha, who spoke during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, stressed the need for the Igbo to prioritise political negotiations and strategic alliances capable of advancing the region’s interests.
According to him, the South-East should carefully examine its options before deciding which presidential candidate to support, rather than risk another four years without securing meaningful political benefits.
“Why should Igbos gamble the four years?” he asked.
The former governor acknowledged his admiration for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, but maintained that personal affection should not prevent the region from considering other political possibilities.
“I love him more than you can think,” Okorocha said.
He further argued that the South-East must understand the political calculations of other regions, particularly the North, ahead of the 2027 election.
Okorocha suggested that some northern voters might consider supporting President Bola Tinubu because a second term would represent his final four years in office, potentially creating room for a shift in political power afterwards.
“The north would tell you they prefer a Tinubu of four years, who has just four years left to finish so he can go back to them,” he stated.
He insisted that the South-East should engage other political blocs and build alliances that could translate into stronger electoral influence for the region.
“It’s better to bring them together, just to make sure we show up a very massive vote for the South East,” he added.
Okorocha also called on political leaders in the region to educate their people and encourage open-minded discussions about the possible consequences of their electoral decisions.
“We have to be open-minded and teach our people,” he said.
He maintained that the 2027 election presents an important opportunity for the South-East to rethink its political approach, build broader partnerships and pursue alliances that could deliver greater political relevance and benefits to the region.
