In a significant political gathering, elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, convened a strategic meeting with Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The closed-door discussions, held on Wednesday, 2 January 2026, at Nwobodo's country home in Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, focused squarely on defining the political future and position of the Igbo nation within Nigeria.
A Call to End Political Ambiguity
The meeting, described as both consultative and reflective, was driven by a pressing need to clarify the South-East's role in national affairs. Speaking after the Yuletide homage paid by the two younger leaders, Nwobodo emphasised that the era of ambiguity and being taken for granted must end. "We don't want anybody to deceive us or pretend that everything is okay," Nwobodo stated firmly. He declared a new resolve for the region: "We want to know what Nigeria has for the Igbo, and this time around, we will get it."
Nwobodo warned against mere symbolic inclusion in the nation's power structure. He insisted that the Igbo must secure a clearly defined and respected place, moving beyond cosmetic gestures. The elder statesman highlighted that the consultations are part of a broader process involving key stakeholders across the South-East.
Unity and Strategic Positioning Paramount
The discussions occurred against the backdrop of ongoing political alignments and realignments as the country gradually looks toward the 2027 general elections. All three leaders stressed that internal unity is the cornerstone of the region's influence.
Governor Peter Mbah pointedly warned that internal divisions could critically weaken the South-East's bargaining power at the national level. He described the talks as part of an evolving process aimed at fostering greater cohesion and purposeful engagement with the broader Nigerian polity.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu echoed this sentiment, noting that the conversation centred on ensuring the Igbo remain relevant and strategically positioned. "We are discussing the position of the Igbo in the polity of Nigeria and how it will be good for all of us," Kalu said, underscoring the desire for a mutually beneficial outcome for both the region and the nation.
Proposed Summit of South-East Governors
A key proposal to emerge from the meeting was the call for a unified gathering of the region's serving and former governors. Nwobodo disclosed that he is advocating for this summit to collectively decide on a clear political direction for the Igbo nation.
"Let the present and former governors of the Igbo nation meet and make a decision. Others can meet and decide anything, but let our own governors meet and make a decision. We will definitely have a position for the Igbo," Nwobodo asserted. This move is seen as a critical step towards presenting a common front and articulating a consolidated agenda ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The meeting in Enugu signals a heightened effort by prominent Igbo leaders to proactively shape their political destiny, moving from reactive commentary to active, unified strategizing for a more central role in Nigeria's future.
