IAD proposes all Igbo political summit to end ‘unjust marginalisation’

The Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD) has unveiled plans to convene an all-Igbo political summit in Enugu in the first quarter of 2026.

Chekwas Okorie, convener of the dialogue, said that the summit will witness the unveiling of the first Igbo political charter, which, he noted, will articulate the political aspirations, rights and responsibilities of the Igbo people within Nigeria.

He noted that the summit is part of a new strategy to confront long-standing political and structural marginalisation of the south-east region.

According to Okorie, IAD is a non-partisan socio-political platform that is poised to reawaken and push for greater political relevance of people of the Igbo extraction.

He said Emeka Okengwu, the charter coordinator, is open to receiving contributions from individuals, associations, and diaspora groups.

The convener noted that since the end of the civil war in 1970, the south-east has endured “hostile policies” that have weakened the region politically and economically.

He cited disparities in the creation of states and LGAs, saying that the south-east had only five states and 95 local councils, compared to seven states and 188 LGAs for the north-west.

Okorie alleged that the military’s boundary adjustments ceded oil-rich territories from old Igbo areas to neighbouring states.

“These actions were deliberately targeted at reducing the size and strength of the southeast,” he said.

The IAD leader stated that he has withdrawn from partisan politics for the remainder of his earthly existence.

This, he said, is essential to ensure his neutrality in the IAD project.

He argued that the Igbo, despite being one of Nigeria’s largest and most widely dispersed ethnic nationalities, have been unable to leverage their demographic strength due to disunity and political apathy.

The convener urged the Igbo to shift from lamentation to coordinated political participation, starting with the 2027 general election.

“We can redraw the political map of Nigeria if all eligible Igbo people participate actively in future democratic exercises,” he said.

“If we act with unity of purpose, the issue of marginalisation in all its forms will be addressed.”

He said the Abuja meeting reaffirmed that its mobilisation strategy will be presented for adoption at the forthcoming political summit in Enugu.

Okorie noted the renewed commitment of the group to building a unified platform capable of restoring dignity, equity, and effective representation for the Igbo within Nigeria’s political landscape.