The South-East Zone of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government over what it described as inadequate infrastructure and unequal treatment of the region.
The zonal coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, raised the concerns in a statement issued on Friday in Umuahia, saying the South-East had continued to lag behind other parts of the country in the provision of critical federal infrastructure.
Ukpai said the absence of functional rail services was particularly troubling, noting that railway infrastructure had received significant attention in other parts of Nigeria while the South-East continued to await comparable modern facilities.
He said the prolonged absence of an effective rail network had affected the movement of people and goods, put additional pressure on major highways and denied businesses in the region the benefits of cheaper and more efficient transportation.
The KNN coordinator also drew attention to the condition of federal roads connecting major commercial centres across the zone, saying their state had continued to cause difficulties for residents, transport operators and businesses.
He argued that the South-East’s importance to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in commerce, manufacturing and trade, warranted a stronger federal commitment to infrastructure development.
According to him, the region needs modern rail connections between its major cities and industrial centres, better federal roads and improved infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic integration.
“The South-East cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought in the scheme of things,” the statement said.
“It is difficult to understand why a region renowned for enterprise and commerce should continue to struggle without the level of modern transportation infrastructure required to unlock its full economic potential.”
KNN also criticised what it called insufficient development of strategic economic gateways in the region. It said better connections to seaports and other trade facilities would help businesses while lowering the cost of transporting goods.
The group further accused the APC administration of failing to give the South-East what it considered an equitable share of federal development since the party came to power.
It said the perceived imbalance had fuelled a growing sense of exclusion among residents of the region.
“The people of the South-East are Nigerians with equal rights and responsibilities. They deserve equitable treatment, inclusion and a fair share of national development,” KNN said.
The organisation also called on political leaders from the South-East to be more vocal in demanding development for the region instead of concentrating primarily on political appointments and patronage.
It said effective political representation should be measured by the ability of elected and appointed officials to attract development, defend the interests of their constituents and ensure that every part of the country receives fair treatment.
KNN said an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would pursue what it described as a more inclusive Nigeria, with development decisions not influenced by ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
“Under an Obi–Kwankwaso presidency, no region will be treated as a conquered territory, and no Nigerian will be made to feel like a second-class citizen,” the group said.
It added that the proposed administration would prioritise equity, productive investment and infrastructure capable of linking the various regions of the country.
The group urged voters in the South-East to assess political parties based on measurable commitments to rail development, road infrastructure, industrial growth and other economic priorities ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is shameful that the APC is still returning to seek support from a region that has continued to cry out over the absence of functional modern rail services and other critical infrastructure needed to drive its economy,” the statement said.
KNN reiterated its ambition to mobilise at least five million votes for Obi-Kwankwaso in the South-East.
It said the 2027 election should be used by Nigerians to scrutinise the records and promises of political parties and demand a government committed to equitable development across the geopolitical zones.
“The South-East will not ask for charity. What the people demand is equity, justice and their rightful place in the Nigerian project,” the group declared.
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