By David Lawani
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dismissed calls by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as misplaced and inconsistent with prevailing realities in the country.
The group also distanced the South-East and the wider Igbo nation from Obi’s position, insisting that his remarks reflect a personal political opinion rather than the region’s collective stance.
In a statement on Tuesday by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze said it was necessary to respond to recent comments attributed to Obi in which he reportedly urged President Tinubu to step down from office following political developments in the United Kingdom.
The organisation argued that comparing Nigeria’s political environment with events in the UK was inappropriate and failed to account for the differences between the UK’s democratic system and Nigeria’s political context.
“While affirming his constitutional right to personal expression, such statements do not reflect the collective will, political direction or strategic interest of the Igbo nation or the South-East geopolitical zone,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze stressed that it would be wrong to interpret Obi’s position as the Igbo people’s, maintaining that the region remains committed to constructive engagement and national development.
“Accordingly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide unequivocally dissociates the Igbo nation from the said call for the resignation of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it added.
The group used the opportunity to acknowledge ongoing federal interventions across the country, particularly infrastructure projects being executed in the South-East under the current administration.
It commended the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for his role in overseeing major road projects and other strategic infrastructure initiatives that have improved connectivity and enhanced economic activity in the region.
According to Ohanaeze, projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry-Sokoto Highway Corridor and other strategic transport networks are laying the foundation for national integration and economic expansion.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide affirms that sustained infrastructural investment remains central to national integration, economic expansion and regional equity,” the organisation stated.
The group also pointed to recent economic indicators, including improvements in Nigeria’s external reserves. It said that ongoing fiscal reforms and revenue-enhancing measures could strengthen investor confidence and support long-term economic stability.
It further noted what it described as relative improvements in security across parts of the South-East, saying the development has contributed to increased commercial activities and the gradual restoration of normal social and economic life in several communities.
“Relative improvements in security conditions across parts of the South-East have resulted in increased commercial activity, social reintegration and the gradual restoration of public life,” the statement said.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, Ohanaeze urged the Federal Government to sustain collaboration with regional stakeholders to consolidate security gains and accelerate development efforts.
The organisation also cautioned political leaders against statements that could escalate tensions, stressing that democratic stability depends on responsible conduct and constructive public engagement.
“Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on responsible leadership, disciplined public commentary and avoidance of rhetoric capable of heightening political tension,” it said.
Ohanaeze called on political actors across party lines to prioritise national unity, dialogue, and development over partisan considerations, insisting that Nigeria’s progress would be better served by cooperation than by confrontation.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in pursuit of peace, economic growth and national development.
