Former presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, has expressed confidence that the South-East will experience transformation and industrialisation under an Atiku Abubakar presidency, describing the ADC presidential candidate as Nigeria’s “incoming president” ahead of the 2027 election.

Onochie made the remarks in a post on her X handle while highlighting what she described as the growing political alignment between people from the South-East and Atiku ahead of the election.

She said the development should not come as a surprise, pointing to the increasing engagement between people from the South-East and political figures from the North as evidence of a growing relationship ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

“In case you have been wondering why or did not even know that Ndigbo have aligned with Atiku Abubakar, this is one of the reasons,” Onochie stated.

The former presidential aide also thanked people from the South-East who, according to her, have been travelling to Abuja to strengthen their friendship and alliance with the North.

Onochie further expressed optimism about the prospects of the South-East under an Atiku presidency, particularly in the areas of development, transformation and industrialisation.

She said Igboland would be transformed and industrialised under Atiku if he emerges as president in 2027.

“Still, Igboland will be transformed and industrialised under our very own Incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mazi Atiku Abubakar,” she added.

Her comments come amid increasing political activities and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups working to strengthen alliances and mobilise support across the country.

Atiku, a former vice president, is contesting the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as political activities intensify ahead of the election.

However, Onochie’s claim that the South-East has aligned with Atiku represents her own political position and should not be interpreted as an official endorsement by the entire South-East or all political stakeholders in the region.

Her statement has nevertheless added to the ongoing political conversation over the direction of the South-East and the alliances that could influence the 2027 presidential election.