SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS, 'PDP’S INGRATITUDE, AND 'APC’S OLIVE BRANCH

 

17 October 2025  /  friday Blues 1-012

 

SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS, PDP’S INGRATITUDE, AND APC’S OLIVE BRANCH

 

by Noble Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje (KSJI)

 

+234 80 34 72 59 05   /   druzoadirieje2015@gmail.com

follow Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje on Facebook by clicking on this link <https://www.facebook.com/uzoadirieje> to receive more posts.

'Like' and comment on my posts to receive other people's responses.

This article is also available at the following link

 

For over two decades, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) enjoyed unwavering loyalty and massive electoral support from the South East geopolitical zone. Ndigbo stood by the PDP through thick and thin, even when it was neither politically rewarding nor strategically beneficial to do so. Yet, in return, the region received minimal recognition, marginal representation, and scant infrastructural dividends. Today, as the All-Progressives Congress (APC) extends an olive branch, the time has come for Ndigbo and their leaders—especially the South East Governors—to rethink their political alignment and embrace pragmatic partnership with the ruling party for the collective good of the region.

 

 opportunities, influence, and development. It is not about blind loyalty but strategic engagement. One is optimistic that the olive branch extended to the South East is not a token of pity, but an invitation to partnership—a call for integration, not isolation.

 

Unfortunately, the PDP’s long dominance in the region produced more sentiment than substance. While the South East voted overwhelmingly for the party, major infrastructural investments, and policy inclusions consistently eluded the zone under the PDP, and throughout the Buhari Presidency – due to the “dot in the circle” prejudice. Even when opportunities arose, they were often given to others who negotiated smartly, while the South East was placated with promises and praises. This ingratitude is glaring when one compares the political reward system of the PDP with the actual contributions and sacrifices of the South East people over the years.

 

The APC’s olive branch under President Tinubu represents a chance for political renewal. Under Tinubu’s government, we hope to see signs of infrastructural revival, including the completion and continuation of major road projects, sea ports, reliable electricity supply, improved security, renewed conversations on regional industrialization, and support for entrepreneurial initiatives. The South East, known for its industrious and innovative people, can leverage this federal goodwill to expand its economic base, attract investments, and influence policy direction at the national level.

 

For the South East Governors, aligning with the ruling APC is not about abandoning their people’s values or political identity—it is about ensuring that their states are not left behind in national planning and federal allocations. Governors must rise above partisan sentiment and act as pragmatic leaders who understand that development is driven by inclusion, not opposition. A region perpetually in opposition risks isolation, and isolation breeds underdevelopment.

 

Moreover, Ndigbo’s alignment with the APC as the ruling party would restore their strategic voice in national politics. It would provide the opportunity to advocate more effectively for equity, justice, and restructuring within the federation. Political alignment will also enable the region to negotiate from a position of strength, influence federal appointments, and shape Nigeria’s policy trajectory in ways that reflect Igbo values of enterprise, resilience, and innovation.

 

In conclusion, the South East must now look beyond the PDP’s ingratitude and embrace the APC’s olive branch with wisdom, “renewed hope”, and courage. The future of Ndigbo lies not in emotional loyalty to a party that has taken them for granted, but in constructive collaboration with any government at the centre. Aligning with the ruling party is not capitulation—it is strategy, foresight, and a pathway to relevance, unity, and prosperity for the South East. Peace!

 

Noble Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a distinguished and multidimensional communicator whose work as a writer, columnist, blogger, reviewer, editor, and author bridges the intersections of global health, sustainable development, human rights, climate justice, and governance. He is the Chief of Protocols of the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International, and has attained the Noble (highest) degree of the Order. He has been honoured as ‘Ezinna’ CMO of St. John of the Cross Parish, Amaruru, Orlu Diocese, Imo State; and ‘Ezinna’ CWO of St. Martin Parish, Lugbe Abuja. He holds a number of chieftaincy titles including ‘High Chief Ugwumba I of Amaruru clan’, and ‘Ahaejiejemba Ndigbo Lagos State’.