The South-East Zone of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of neglecting the region in the distribution of critical infrastructure and development projects.
The group specifically raised concerns over the absence of functional rail services in the South-East, alleging that the region had been left behind while other parts of the country benefited from major investments in railway infrastructure.
South-East Zonal Coordinator of KNN, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, made the allegation in a statement issued in Umuahia on Friday.
Ukpai said the railway facilities and services that once connected parts of the region had remained inactive for years, with no comparable modern rail network established to adequately serve the South-East.
He said the situation had affected the movement of people and goods, increased pressure on congested highways and denied businesses in the region the economic benefits of efficient rail transportation.
The group also expressed concern over the condition of several federal roads linking major commercial centres across the South-East, saying the situation had continued to affect residents, transporters and businesses.
KNN argued that the region’s significant contributions to commerce, manufacturing, trade and the national economy justified greater attention in federal infrastructure planning.
According to the group, the South-East requires functional rail connections linking its major cities and industrial hubs, improved federal highways and stronger transportation 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 described as inadequate attention to key economic gateways in the region, arguing that improved access to seaports and other trade infrastructure would boost businesses and reduce the cost of transporting goods.
The group alleged that the South-East had not received fair treatment since the APC assumed control of the Federal Government, saying the situation had fuelled a growing sense of exclusion among residents.
“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 group urged political leaders from the region to be more vocal in demanding development projects and defending the interests of their constituents.
It argued that effective political representation should be measured by the ability to attract meaningful development, protect constituents’ interests and ensure that no region is treated as less important.
KNN said an Obi–Kwankwaso administration would pursue what it described as a more inclusive Nigeria, where development would not be determined 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 said the proposed administration would prioritise fairness, equity, productive investments and infrastructure capable of connecting all parts of the country.
KNN urged South-East voters to demand measurable commitments from political parties on rail transportation, federal roads, industrial development and other economic infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also restated its target of mobilising at least five million votes for the Obi–Kwankwaso ticket from the South-East.
KNN said the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the records of political parties and demand a government committed to equitable development across the country.
“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.
The group added, “The South-East will not ask for charity. What the people demand is equity, justice and their rightful place in the Nigerian project.”
