Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has rejected the single-term Igbo presidency, instead reiterating its backing for a two-term Igbo presidency after the 2027 general elections.
Ohanaeze described the single-term agenda as a ruse and delusional.
The pan-Igbo group reiterated its unwavering commitment to the established constitutional framework of a two-term maximum tenure for the office of the president and state governors as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy factional President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro in Abakaliki, Ohanaeze stated that its position is rooted in the principles of fairness, equity, and the advancement of democratic ideals.
Isiguzoro said no Igbo person has held the highest office in the country since 1966, when the late Maj-Gen. J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi briefly held the position of military head of state for six months.
“While Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe served as a ceremonial president from 1963 to 1966, he held no executive powers.
“Considering this historical context, it would be a monumental injustice, both in the eyes of God and of humanity, if, upon the eventual election of an Igbo person to the presidency under democratic auspices, that individual were to voluntarily limit their tenure to a single term of four years.
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“This proposition is, to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, unacceptable. While acknowledging that an Igbo presidency is a legitimate and achievable aspiration, Ohanaeze unequivocally states that it is not feasible in 2027,” he said.
The organization noted that any individual currently advocating for a single-term presidency is either driven by desperation, engaged in deceptive tactics, or employing cunning strategies for personal gain.
The body said it recognizes that political aspirants are entitled to utilize various strategies to garner public support, but however, implored Nigerians to pose critical questions to those espousing the concept of a single-term presidency.
