Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on the South East to adopt a more strategic political approach to ensure the region remains actively involved in national decision-making.

Mbah made the remark on Tuesday while receiving leaders and members of the City Boy Movement — a group supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu — at the Government House in Enugu.

The governor expressed concern that the South East has become increasingly politically fragmented in recent years, noting that the region has never been as disconnected from the nation’s power structure as it is now.

According to him, the political leaders of the past were known for pursuing alliances and engaging in strategic politics rather than allowing sentiment or isolation to guide their decisions.

Reflecting on history, Mbah said Igbo political leaders had always built bridges and alliances whenever necessary, ensuring that the region remained part of key national discussions.

He warned that the South East must avoid remaining on the sidelines of national politics, stressing that the region currently lacks strong representation in the country’s hierarchy of leadership.

“If you look at the present order of protocol and succession in the country, the South East is hardly visible. Traditionally, we should have representation around the position of the Deputy Speaker, but today we are far from that level,” he said.

Mbah added that the South East had never previously been as politically divided as it has been in recent times, but expressed optimism that leaders in the region are now beginning to speak with a more unified voice.

The governor also commended the economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu, noting that although they initially brought economic difficulties, they have helped to stabilise key sectors of the economy and address uncertainties that previously discouraged foreign investors.

He praised young Igbo entrepreneurs and professionals for supporting the current administration and expressed confidence that Nigerians would re-elect Tinubu in the next presidential election as the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda gradually reach citizens.

Mbah advised political stakeholders in the South East to remain realistic and analytical in their political decisions in order to secure a stronger position for the region in national affairs.

“We must align ourselves strategically and deal with political realities so that the South East is not left behind again,” he said.

Earlier, the South East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, also stressed the importance of building alliances with the political leadership at the centre.

He noted that the South East had lost political influence in the past due to isolationist politics but said the region had learnt valuable lessons about the need for strategic collaboration.

Iyiegbu observed that despite the historical importance of the Igbo people in Nigeria’s political and economic development, other regions have recently been able to win presidential elections without significant support from the South East.

He said the movement’s members, made up largely of young professionals and business leaders, had decided to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election while encouraging the region to strengthen its ties with the federal government.

“We want our people to understand that Ala Igbo must reconnect with the centre. We need access to key national infrastructure and opportunities that will drive development in our region,” he said.

He added that political cooperation with other regions would also be necessary if the South East hopes to eventually produce a president of Igbo extraction.

Also speaking, the state director of the movement, Prince Emeka Mammah, and its state patron, Chief Charles Mbah, commended Governor Mbah for the infrastructural and developmental strides recorded in Enugu State under his administration.

They pledged to mobilise support to ensure overwhelming electoral victories for both President Tinubu and Governor Mbah in future elections.