A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu's administration as it marks its second year in office, describing it as "tainted by incompetence and corruption."

In a joint press statement issued on Thursday by factional Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and spokesperson Thompson Ohia, the group declared there is "nothing to celebrate" about the current administration's performance, calling for a complete overhaul of the president's cabinet.

"Nigerians are enduring untold hardships as a direct consequence of the ongoing experimental leadership failures propagated by a cadre of incompetent ministers and political appointees," the statement read. "The abysmal performances have marred the credibility of President Tinubu's government, leaving the ordinary citizen grappling with the harsh ramifications of ineffective governance."

The group urged Tinubu to address what they termed a "Yorubanization agenda" that allegedly compromises national unity, and instead embrace leadership based on competence and merit. They specifically commended the contributions of two ministers—Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—for their "visible and verifiable" infrastructure projects.

Economic Concerns and Political Warnings

The Ohanaeze faction highlighted soaring inflation and food insecurity as evidence of a disconnect between leadership and citizens. They warned that if current trends continue, President Tinubu risks being abandoned by his Northern allies as the 2027 elections approach.

"President Tinubu's two-year scorecard is heavily tainted by the incompetence and corruption of his appointed officials," the statement continued. "The Nigerian people expect transformative leadership, and if this expectation continues to be unmet, the political landscape may shift dramatically by 2027."

In a notable political calculation, the group suggested that the Igbo community—"scattered across the 774 local government areas"—could potentially bolster Tinubu's reelection bid, potentially yielding approximately 39% of the Northern electorate if certain conditions are met.

Calls for Structural Reforms

The statement also called on the president to demonstrate "exemplary leadership" by addressing hunger and ineffective economic policies. They advocated for the creation of additional states, particularly two in the Southeast, to foster equitable representation for the region.

Additionally, the group emphasized the importance of considering both ethnicity and religion in the upcoming 2025 National Census, arguing this would enable restructuring that recognizes Nigeria's diverse identity and propels electoral reforms.

"We implore President Tinubu to seize this critical moment as an opportunity for deep introspection and reform," the statement concluded. "By prioritizing competent leadership, addressing the actual needs of the populace, and fostering national unity, we can transcend divisions and work toward a Nigeria that fulfills the hopes and aspirations of all its citizens."