TDThe South East Patriots (SEP) has officially registered as a support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant political development aimed at strengthening the participation of the South East in national politics.
The announcement was made in a press statement released by the organisation, under the leadership of the Chief Obunike Ohaegbu.
Ohaegbu described the registration as a strategic step toward building a broader national coalition focused on credible leadership, structural reforms, and people-centred governance in Nigeria.
SEP Aligns with ADC for Political Engagement
According to the statement signed by Chief Ohaegbu, SEP National Coordinator, the registration of the group within the ADC platform provides an organised structure.
Through the structure, the interests, aspirations, and development priorities of the South East can be advanced within a national political framework.
The group called on people of the South East geopolitical zone, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to actively participate in the party’s activities by registering online through the ADC membership portal.
SEP noted that constructive engagement in national politics is necessary for the region to secure fair representation and meaningful development.
“The South East must engage constructively in national politics.
“The African Democratic Congress currently offers the shortest route and most credible democratic pathway to the emergence of a President from the South East,” the statement said.
Policy Agenda for National Development
As part of its engagement within the ADC, the South East Patriots outlined several key policy priorities aimed at boosting national productivity, strengthening economic integration, and promoting equitable political representation.
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Decongestion of Nigerian Ports
SEP expressed concern about the over-centralisation of Nigeria’s maritime activities in Lagos and called for the revitalisation of eastern ports.
The group advocated the rehabilitation and expansion of ports in Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar to reduce pressure on Lagos ports and create new commercial corridors across the country.
According to SEP, such reforms would expand trade activities, improve logistics efficiency, and generate employment across multiple regions.
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Development of Inland Waterways
The organisation also called for the dredging of the River Niger to allow commercial vessels to transport goods from eastern ports to inland cities such as Lokoja and Makurdi.
SEP said developing this inland water transport system would open a major north–south trade corridor, reduce pressure on federal highways, and stimulate economic activity across several states.
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Electricity Infrastructure and Industrial Revival
Addressing the issue of power supply, SEP stressed that reliable electricity remains essential for Nigeria’s economic recovery and the industrial revitalisation of the South East.
The group advocated the extension of existing gas supply networks that already power electricity generation in the region.
In particular, SEP proposed expanding the Shell gas infrastructure currently supplying electricity generation to Aba to other major commercial cities across the South East, thereby creating a regional gas-to-power industrial corridor.
The organisation also highlighted several strategic energy infrastructure projects in Anambra State, including:
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The proposed gas-fired power station in Onitsha
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The large gas-fired power plant project in Okija (Ihiala LGA)
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Natural gas resources within the Anambra Basin
SEP further called for the expansion of these gas resources toward the Nnewi industrial axis, especially to supply electricity to the Federal Industrial Park in Nnewi South, which it described as a major industrial facility that has remained underutilised for years.
According to the group, a properly connected regional gas-to-power network could revive manufacturing clusters across Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi, attract new investments, and significantly reduce reliance on diesel-powered generators.
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Rail Infrastructure Expansion
SEP also voiced support for the completion and expansion of major rail infrastructure projects, particularly the Port Harcourt–Aba–Enugu–Makurdi–Maiduguri rail corridor.
The group said the project would help integrate multiple regions of the country and significantly lower transportation costs for both goods and passengers.
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Constitutional Reform and Presidential Rotation
On political reforms, SEP reiterated its support for constitutional rotation of the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
According to the group, such an arrangement would promote fairness, stability, and national unity by ensuring that no region remains permanently excluded from the nation’s highest political office.
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Single Six-Year Presidential Term
The organisation also advocated for a single non-renewable six-year presidential term, arguing that it would reduce the distortions caused by re-election politics and encourage long-term policy planning.
SEP said the reform would also reduce corruption pressures linked to campaign financing.
Call for Participation
The group urged youths, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, civil society organisations, and members of the South East diaspora to join the ADC and actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
“The time has come for constructive engagement, strategic participation, and national leadership,” the statement concluded.
SEP emphasised that greater political organisation and participation would help reposition the South East as a key contributor to Nigeria’s national development and democratic progress.
