Ohanaeze Withdraws Support For Atiku For Proposing Northern Presidency

Ohanaeze Withdraws Support For Atiku For Proposing Northern Presidency
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Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo apex body, declared on Wednesday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mainstay had lost all ties with the Igbo after former Vice President of Nigeria Alhaji Atiku Abubakar endorsed a Northern presidency in the 2027 general election.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the secretary-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction led by Chidi Ibeh, said in a statement in Abakaliki that Atiku’s outburst has intensified long-standing worries in Nigerian politics, especially among the Igbo people, about the possible subversion of the vitally important principle of rotational presidency.

He added that Atiku’s heedless quest for Northern political dominance has permanently damaged his reputation among the Igbo people, insulting their desire for representation and engagement in politics.

Ohanaeze claims that his public remarks expose an exclusionary strategy that rules out any Southern contenders for the position of leader in the next elections, most notably Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP). He went on to say that his language choices imply a wish to view Mr. Obi only as a running mate rather than as a capable opposition leader with legitimate political clout.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo adamantly rejects any political ploy that aims to denigrate the Igbo people or their legitimate position in the national conversation, arguing that the Igbo will instead praise President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s committed attention to important infrastructure projects that are now taking place in the Southeast.

He said: “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.

“His public statements reveal an exclusionary agenda that dismisses any Southern candidates, notably Mr. Obi, as potential leaders in the upcoming elections. The implications 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.

“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 Southeastern 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 Southeast.

“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.”

Isiguzoro, speaking for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, explains the seriousness of their stance, pointing out that Atiku has permanently damaged his relationship with the Igbo people by unreservedly endorsing a Northern presidency, which is in direct opposition to accepted power rotation conventions.

His actions demonstrate a stubborn resistance to accepting the changing realities of democratic administration and highlight a deep divergence from the aspirations of patriotic Nigerians.

He added, “We, the Igbo people, stand unyielding in our declaration: We shall not entertain any political agenda that undermines our dignity and aspirations. Rather, we will mobilize collectively to ensure the benefits of development and recognition are allocated to those who sincerely advocate for our cause.”

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