No Igbo Alliance With North For 2027 Presidency, Says Ohanaeze
Onyeka Nnabu
The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo has dismissed and rejected any insinuation of an Igbo alliance with a Northern Presidency in 2027.
The body noted that the declaration made by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar endorsing a Northern Presidency in 2027 has signalled Atiku’s unwillingness to support any Southern contenders, including his former ally, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a statement issued by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex body said that Atiku Abubakar’s reckless pursuit of a Northern political hegemony has irreparably tarnished his standing among the Igbo populace.
Ohanaeze stated categorically that President Bola Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to remedying the infrastructural inadequacies in the country have garnered substantial appreciation from the Igbo community and is poised to translate into a formidable electoral endorsement for his leadership come 2027.
“As we cast our eyes toward the future, let it be unequivocally articulated: No Igbo individual shall align themselves with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar or engage in any manner of allegiance with Northern political ambitions in the upcoming 2027 elections”.
“Instead, driven by the remarkable infrastructural advancements spearheaded by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, the Igbo people pledge their unwavering support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His resolute actions resonate harmoniously with our collective vision for progress, equity, and unity within our national framework, the body reiterated.
Isiguzoro further stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely rebuffs any political stratagem that seeks to subordinate the Igbo people or undermine their rightful place in the national discourse.
According to them: “By boldly championing a Northern candidate, Atiku Abubakar has unequivocally signaled his unwillingness to support any Southern contenders, prominently including his former ally, Mr. Peter Obi”
“This alarming revelation raises significant concerns over efforts to diminish Mr. 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”.
However, Ohanaeze added that the focus of the body was beyond Atiku’s increasingly untenable advocacy for a Northern presidency, rather their critical emphasis lies on the ongoing infrastructural renaissance occurring throughout Southeastern Nigeria.
“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 Superhighways. These monumental projects not only enhance regional connectivity but also foster economic growth and integration, Isiguzoro said.
Ohanaeze stated that the Igbo people we shall not entertain any political agenda that undermines their dignity and aspirations, rather, they would mobilize collectively to ensure the benefits of development and recognition are allocated to those who sincerely advocate for their cause.
