Main Request
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges Peter Obi to drop his 2027 ambition for more rational thinking and strategy. In addition, the group urged Obi to back Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Reasons for Ohanaeze’s support for Tinubu
The group emerged from its meeting urging their son Peter Obi to rescind his presidential ambition. Even though they know it will be a tough decision to make. However, they are appealing to him for the sake of the greater good of the region. Hence, they listed the following reasons for backing President Tinubu for a 2nd term:
Reason One
The South-East cannot produce a president on its own. Hence, Obi’s run might worsen the marginalisation of the region.
Reason Two
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Tinubu government actually supports Igbo development in all ramifications. In addition, Tinubu’s administration appointed some people of Igbo extraction into his cabinets, especially appointing Umahi as Minister of Works.
Reason Three
President Bola Tinubu has shown commitment; he has evidently tripled the federal allocations to the region. In contrast to the past, all governors have no cause to complain.
Opposition Dynamics
In the same way, the group noted with dismay the protracted ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Hence, the need for Peter Obi to step down; otherwise, both of them will split opposition votes.
Consequence
According to the supreme cultural body in Igboland, which is highly respected by the majority, they may align with their position. They assert that if Peter Obi should refuse to step down for President Tinubu, the whole game will backfire.
Advice to Obi
They have openly advised Peter Obi to prioritise Igbo interests above personal ones. And that no personal sacrifice is too much for his people. They undoubtedly believe he should use his goodwill to negotiate for the needs of his region.
Warning
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo are sounding a note of warning to all sons and daughters of the region. Their warning stems from the fact that Obi’s run will be seen as a betrayal to his people. Furthermore, they believe the region will face setbacks like in 2019 and 2023.
Background on Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a faction of the main body in which there seems to be growing resentment due to its high-handedness. However, they speak entirely for Igbo interests.
Peter Obi’s Profile
Peter Obi is the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, and he has presidential ambitions for 2027.
Tinubu’s Achievements
Tinubu appoints Umahi as minister of works, which is one of the juicy portfolios in the administration. Furthermore, federal funds to all the regions, not excluding the South East, have increased.
Atiku’s Ambitions
Atiku Abubakar wants to run; hence, this affects opposition dynamics which may potentially backfire.
South-East Marginalisation
South-East marginalisation may increase if Peter Obi does not step down. In fact, his contesting may worsen this issue.
Constitutional Right
Obi has the right to run for the highest office of the land, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo respects this right. However, they do not want their people to play the politics of ethnicity but rather be more strategic. And to be strategic, some painful sacrifices must be made for the greater good of the region.
Conclusion
Ohanaeze Ndigbo advises Obi to support Tinubu, as the region stands to benefit more from this move. In addition, it believes no strategic sacrifice is too much for the people of his region.
