Factional secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, has warned the former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to be wary of his romance with Northern politicians regarding the 2027 presidency.
Ohanaeze said the intriguing and unexpected move of former Anambra State Governor, Obi and his solitary meetings with prominent Northern figures such as former vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Jigawa state Governor, Sule Lamido have sparked nationwide interest.
Isiguzoro in a statement issued on Thursday, stated that the amidst discussions of the opposition Party was an alignment aimed to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential Election.
The group reminded Obi to learn from history especially, the ill-fated aspirations of past lgbo presidential candidates who courted the Northern favour like Late Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Chuba Okadigbo were all disappointed by the Northerners.
The statement read in part” the political landscape recently bore witness to the intriguing and unexpected moves of former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Preter Obi. His solitary meetings with prominent Northern figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Jigawa Governor Dr. Sule Lamido, amidst discussions of opposition party alignments aiming to unseat President Tinubu in 2027, have sparked nationwide interest.
“Over the past nine months, Mr. Obi has strategically navigated the core North, notably the Northwest and Northeast, intensifying his humanitarian efforts infused with political undertones to broaden his acceptance and potentially bolster his 2027 presidential aspirations.
“His discreet community projects, scholarship awards, and participation in Muslim ceremonies have been viewed by many as strategic steps towards solidifying his political base in the North ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“Amid this backdrop, Ohanaeze Ndigbo offers a prudent word of caution to Mr. Obi regarding the pitfalls and uncertainties that lie on his current path, particularly with his relentless pursuit of Northern connections.
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“The Northern political hierarchy, religious leaders, and traditional institutions harbor deep-seated reservations towards Mr. Obi due to several key factors. Firstly, his failure to articulate a clear stance on the Biafra Agitation issue contributes to the North’s scepticism towards an Igbo presidency.
“Secondly, questions linger concerning the benefits that the North stands to gain from Mr. Obi’s seeming individualistic approach, contrasting with the impactful empowerment initiatives championed by leaders like President Tinubu and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Lastly, concerns arise over Mr. Obi’s apparent neglect of his Southeast, Middle Belt, and Niger Delta bases in ffavourof focusing on Northern territories, which raises red flags among observers.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends best wishes to Mr. Obi for his political pursuits in the North but calls upon him to learn from history—specifically the ill-fated aspirations of past Igbo presidential candidates who courted Northern favour
“Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Chuba Okadigbo, and others serve as poignant reminders of the Northern disappointments faced by Igbo aspirants despite their overtures and friendships extended towards the North.
“It is imperative for Mr. Obi and prospective Igbo presidential hopefuls to heed these historical lessons and engage the North through regional cooperation rather than individualistic endeavours, only through repairing the rift between the North and Southeast can lasting trust and confidence be restored, paving the way for a more informed and collaborative approach towards the 2027 elections.
