By Karen James
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — The campaign for a stronger South East presence in Nigeria’s political leadership gained fresh momentum on Thursday as the Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa–led South East Mandate for Good Governance inaugurated its Ebonyi State executive team at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.
The inauguration, which drew a large turnout of political stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, and women organisations, marked a critical phase in the group’s grassroots expansion strategy. With a non-partisan stance, the movement is steadily positioning itself as a unifying platform to rally the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bishop Nwankpa, the National Convener, declared that the South East could no longer afford political fragmentation if it truly seeks equitable recognition in the governance of Nigeria.
> “We are here to build bridges, foster unity, and prove to the nation that the South East is ready to lead with vision, capacity, and inclusiveness,” he stated.
He charged the newly inducted Ebonyi executive to approach their roles with urgency, describing their assignment as a “patriotic duty” rather than a political title.
Stakeholders at the event emphasised that the group’s growing state-level structures were vital in building a nationwide coalition capable of influencing Nigeria’s political balance.
Political analysts observe that the South East Mandate’s approach—combining grassroots mobilisation with strategic national outreach—could significantly shape the region’s negotiating power ahead of 2027.
As the crowd dispersed from the Ecumenical Centre, one message was clear: the movement’s expanding footprint is setting the stage for a coordinated regional push that may redefine the South East’s role in Nigeria’s political future.
