The South East Progressive Ambassadors (SEPA) has officially launched its socio-political movement, “SEPA 2027,” with a strong endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling took place at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, 7th July 2025, where the group declared its commitment to repositioning the South East politically and economically through strategic national alignment.
Addressing the press, the Convener of SEPA, John CDO Ikeotuonye, described the movement as a coalition of young professionals, grassroots leaders, scholars, influencers, and technocrats drawn from the five South-Eastern states. SEPA, he said, is the socio-political arm of the Young Professionals for Tinubu (YPFT), tailored specifically for Igbo progressives who believe in national integration over regional isolation.
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“SEPA is not just another political group,” Ikeotuonye stated. “It is a movement designed to birth a new generation of Igbo leaders who are connected to the grassroots and are ready to influence national policies. We are here to redefine our place in Nigerian politics.”
Why Tinubu?
Explaining SEPA’s endorsement of President Tinubu, Ikeotuonye cited several landmark developments initiated under the Renewed Hope Agenda that have directly impacted the South East. These include:
The creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), with its headquarters in Enugu, aimed to address the historical neglect of the region.
Rehabilitation of key infrastructure, including the East-West Road, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway, and major federal highways across the region.
Reintroduction of the student loan scheme, which enhances access to higher education for youths, particularly in the educationally inclined South East.
Support for South East state governments, irrespective of their political affiliations, including collaborations with APGA- and PDP-controlled states.
Implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and National Social Investment Programs (NSIP) directly impacting host communities and youths.
Landmark Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, which SEPA believes will deepen grassroots governance and accountability.
The passage of the New Tax Law, which promises economic incentives and greater investment opportunities for the region.
“President Tinubu is not offering us promises. He is giving us policies, programs, and results,” Ikeotuonye said. “This is why we stand with him in 2027.”
A Call to Unity and Political Maturity
SEPA warned against political disunity in the South East, referencing the current fragmented landscape where five states are governed by four different parties: Labour Party (Abia), APGA (Anambra), PDP (Enugu), and APC (Imo and Ebonyi). The group called on young progressives to unite behind a common agenda.
“While our brothers in the South West and South South are realigning with the APC and President Tinubu, the South East is risking self-marginalization,” Ikeotuonye warned. “We must halt the drift and embrace strategic alliances that will return us to national relevance.”
In its official resolution, SEPA endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for a second term in office, asserting that four years is not enough to entrench life-changing reforms. The group called on South East stakeholders to mobilize from polling units to senatorial districts in support of Tinubu’s re-election.
“SEPA’s mission is not just to endorse, but to participate actively in governance and policy advocacy,” said Dr. Justin Ogoo Nwankwo, SEPA’s Secretary. “We are a grassroots movement and we will reach every hamlet, ward, and village with this message.”
Women’s Wing, Capacity Building and Policy Advocacy
Speaking on behalf of the women’s wing, Vivian Chinyere Nnajiofor, said SEPA would focus heavily on youth engagement, policy development, entrepreneurial training, peacebuilding, and monitoring and evaluation of government projects in the South East. The movement intends to work closely with stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels to attract investment and ensure inclusive development.
In a passionate closing remark, SEPA urged Eastern youths to emulate nationalist icons like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, K.O. Mbadiwe, and M.I. Okpara, who championed national unity above ethnic interest.
“South East is at a crossroads. We either choose political relevance through unity and strategy, or fade into self-imposed marginalization,” the convener concluded.
The press conference ended with a unanimous call for young professionals and progressive thinkers in the South East to join the SEPA 2027 movement and secure a better future through active participation in national politics.—
SEPA Leadership
The leadership of SEPA 2027 as announced at the unveiling includes:
John CDO Ikeotuonye – Convener
Dr. Justin Ogoo Nwankwo – National Secretary
Vivian Chinyere Nnajiofor – National Woman Leader
Owelle Onyeka Mbaso – Acting Coordinator, Anambra State
Hon. Azuike Kingsley Kelechi – Acting Coordinator, Imo State
Hon. Frank Nwasum – Acting Coordinator, Ebonyi State
Comrade Ifeanyi Kalu – Acting Coordinator, Abia State
Comr. Anthony Ogochukwu Nwobodo – Acting Coordinator, Enugu State
Comr. Tyndale Okoli – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
