KNN accuses APC of neglecting South-East development, citing poor rail and road infrastructure and calling for greater federal investment
The South-East Zone of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has accused the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government of neglecting the region, alleging inadequate investment in critical infrastructure and unequal treatment since the party came to power.
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Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, the KNN zonal coordinator, made the allegation in a statement issued in Umuahia, Abia State, where he criticised what he described as the South-East’s continuing shortfall in federal infrastructure compared with other parts of Nigeria.
Ukpai identified the lack of functional modern rail services as one of the region’s most pressing concerns.
He argued that while railway development had received considerable federal attention elsewhere, the South-East had continued to wait for comparable infrastructure capable of improving the movement of people and goods.
According to him, the absence of an effective rail network has placed additional pressure on major highways while increasing transportation difficulties for businesses and residents.
The KNN coordinator also raised concerns about federal roads linking major commercial centres across the region, saying their condition continues to affect transport operators, traders and businesses.
“The South-East cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought in the scheme of things,” the group 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.”
The organisation argued that the South-East’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy through commerce, manufacturing and trade warranted stronger federal investment.
KNN said modern rail connections between major cities and industrial centres would improve economic integration, reduce transportation costs and strengthen trade within and beyond the region.
The group also called for greater development of strategic economic gateways, including improved connections to seaports and other trade facilities.
Such investment, it argued, would make it easier for businesses to move goods while reducing some of the logistical costs confronting manufacturers and traders.
Beyond infrastructure, KNN accused the APC administration of failing to provide what it considers an equitable share of national development to the South-East.
The organisation said the perceived imbalance had contributed to a growing feeling of exclusion among residents and urged political leaders from the region to become more vocal in demanding development.
KNN argued that political representation should extend beyond securing appointments and political patronage.
According to the group, elected and appointed officials should also be judged by their ability to attract infrastructure, protect constituency interests and secure equitable development.
“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 criticism comes as political groups begin intensifying their mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
KNN said the South-East should assess political parties according to measurable commitments on rail development, roads, industrialisation and other economic priorities rather than political promises alone.
The organisation also presented the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso administration as an alternative, promising what it described as a more inclusive approach to national development.
“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.
KNN further claimed that it intends to mobilise at least five million votes for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket in the South-East in 2027.
The ambitious target reflects the group’s attempt to translate its criticism of the ruling party into grassroots political mobilisation, although the actual electoral impact will depend on voter sentiment, party structures and the wider political alliances that emerge before the election.
For the South-East, the debate over infrastructure is also tied to the region’s longstanding concerns about economic connectivity and federal representation.
KNN maintained that the region was not seeking special treatment but what it described as its rightful share of national development.
“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.
The allegations are those of the Kwankwaso National Network, and the statement does not by itself establish that the APC-led Federal Government has deliberately neglected the South-East.
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The claims are likely to remain part of the increasingly competitive political debate as parties position themselves for 2027.
