Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo group, has distanced itself from former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar following his endorsement of a Northern presidency in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abakaliki, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expressed that Atiku’s comments have severed any potential alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and the Igbo people.
Isiguzoro argued that Atiku’s remarks have fueled longstanding concerns within the Nigerian political landscape, particularly among the Igbo, regarding the critical principle of rotational presidency.
He condemned Atiku’s pursuit of Northern political dominance, stating it had irreparably damaged his relationship with the Igbo, signaling an affront to their calls for political inclusion and fair representation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes Atiku’s statements reflect an exclusionary agenda that disregards Southern candidates, especially Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), as legitimate contenders for leadership in 2027.
Isiguzoro pointed out that Atiku’s rhetoric undermines Obi’s status as a capable opposition leader and implies that he should only be considered as a running mate, further marginalizing the Igbo people.
The Igbo group strongly rejected any political partnership with Atiku, asserting that it would be inappropriate to align with someone who dismisses the principle of power rotation.
Ohanaeze emphasized that the completion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term Northern presidency (2015–2023) marked the necessary shift of leadership to Southern Nigeria, specifically from 2023 to 2031, and that Atiku’s push for a Northern presidency in 2027 contradicted this consensus.
Isiguzoro further stated, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally rejects any suggestion of an alliance with Atiku Abubakar, who continues to ignore the established agreement for a rotational presidency. We firmly believe that the time has come for leadership to move to the South, as agreed after President Buhari’s tenure.”
Beyond the issue of the presidency, Ohanaeze Ndigbo focused on the ongoing infrastructural developments in the Southeastern region, which they credited to the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.
Isiguzoro noted that, under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, significant federal road projects were underway, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road, and the Sokoto-Lagos Superhighway, all contributing to the region’s growth and development.
The statement also reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to advancing the interests of the Igbo people and ensuring their rightful place in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
Isiguzoro made it clear that the Igbo would not support any agenda that seeks to diminish their aspirations, adding, “We stand firm in our resolve to mobilize and support those who genuinely represent our interests and ensure that our dignity is respected.”
Isiguzoro underscored that Atiku’s insistence on a Northern presidency in 2027 had alienated him from the Igbo community and further distanced him from the political realities and needs of the people.
