Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has faulted the endorsement of a northern president by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2027.
Ohanaeze said Atiku’s overt endorsement of a northern presidency come the 2027 general elections, exacerbates the longstanding concerns within the Nigerian polity, particularly among the Igbo people.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu lsiguzoro.
Ohanaeze noted that in championing for a northern candidate, Atiku has unequivocally signaled his unwillingness to support any southern contender, prominently including his former ally, Peter Obi.
“The alarming revelation raises significant concerns over efforts to diminish Obi’s stature within the fabric of opposition politics, potentially relegating him to a mere vice-presidential role.
“Such a notion is both untenable and emblematic of a larger political malaise that jeopardizes the core principles of our democratic aspirations.
“In light of this perplexing trajectory, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically dismisses, renounces and rejects any insinuation of an Igbo alliance with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a partnership predicated on his apparent disregard for the gentleman’s agreement governing the rotational presidency.
“We assert with unwavering conviction that the conclusion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s northern tenure, which spanned eight years from 2015 to 2023, marks a necessary transition of political power and leadership to Southern Nigeria from 2023 to 2031.
“This transition is imperative to ensure our collective pursuit of equitable representation and governance amidst our richly diverse national tapestry.
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“Atiku Abubakar’s reckless pursuit of a northern political hegemony has irreparably tarnished his standing among the Igbo populace, signaling an affront to our aspirations for inclusion and representation in governance.
“His public statements reveal an exclusionary agenda that dismisses any southern candidates, notably Mr. Obi, as potential leaders in the upcoming elections. The implications of his rhetorical choices suggest a desire to construe Mr. Obi merely as a running mate, rather than acknowledging him as a capable opposition leader with valid political weight.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely rebuffs any political stratagem that seeks to subordinate the Igbo people or undermine our rightful place in the national discourse. Moreover, it is essential to clarify that Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s focus extends beyond Atiku’s increasingly untenable advocacy for a northern presidency.
“Rather, our critical emphasis lies on the ongoing infrastructural renaissance occurring throughout South-Eastern Nigeria. Thus, we extend our commendations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s dedicated focus on significant infrastructural developments currently underway in the South East.
“Under the astute leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, a member of our community, we have witnessed the rehabilitation and construction of vital federal roadways—specifically the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road and the Sokoto-Lagos Superhighway” the statement said.
