The royal fathers said they were moved by Tinubu’s contributions to the economic development of the South East.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Traditional rulers from across the South East have pledged to deliver at least 70 percent of the region’s votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking under the platform of the Ndi Igbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Council, the monarchs, led by their chairman, His Royal Majesty Eze Nnamdi Oforegbu of Abia State, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in Umuahia, Abia State, over the weekend.
The royal fathers said they were moved by Tinubu’s contributions to the economic development of the South East, particularly citing the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which they believe will fast-track infrastructural growth in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Eze Oforegbu expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Deputy Speaker Kalu, acknowledging the Deputy Speaker’s role in sponsoring the bill that established the SEDC. The monarchs also offered prayers for Kalu’s continued political rise and pledged their full support for the President’s re-election efforts.
“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for appointing our sons and brothers as the pioneer heads of the SEDC. As you promoted our brothers, God will also raise you above your imagination,” Oforegbu said. “We assure him [President Tinubu] our votes, 70 percent of our votes in the next election. We are promising you we are behind you.”
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Kalu commended the traditional rulers for their support, describing President Tinubu as a leader who rewards loyalty.
“For eight years before him, Igbos did not occupy any position in the leadership succession ladder of the country,” Kalu said. “Yet he remembered us and gave us Deputy Speaker; gave us Chief of Naval Staff; gave us Minister of Works. And I know with your promise as traditional rulers, we will give him nothing less than 70% of our vote.”
Kalu also assured the monarchs that the National Assembly was working to grant traditional rulers a constitutional role in recognition of their contributions to national peace, unity, and security.
“The President also respects traditional rulers so much,” he added.
The visit ended with prayers and blessings for both the Deputy Speaker and President Tinubu.