By Chukwudi Obasi
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has waded into the growing disagreement between the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, backing the completion of federal infrastructure in the Southeast over immediate political ambitions.
The organisation said Ndigbo should prioritise roads, bridges and economic connectivity capable of delivering immediate benefits to the region while continuing to pursue the long-term aspiration of producing Nigeria’s first elected President of Igbo extraction.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa.
Ohanaeze said its intervention was guided by the Igbo philosophy of “Nkemjika,” which it described as the wisdom of valuing what is immediately within reach while patiently pursuing greater objectives.
It maintained that the Southeast could not afford to sacrifice tangible infrastructure for a presidential ambition whose realisation would require extensive political coalition-building and national consensus.
“Ndigbo needs roads, bridges and economic connectivity now; the Igbo presidential project must be built with patience, unity and national consensus,” the organisation said.
According to Ohanaeze, completed federal highways and bridges would immediately benefit traders, farmers, manufacturers, transporters and families by reducing travel time, lowering transportation costs and improving economic activity.
“Secure the development. Build the political future. Do not sacrifice one for the other,” it declared.
The organisation said the Southeast had endured decades of infrastructural deficits and should therefore take advantage of ongoing federal projects to address its development challenges.
It stressed that roads were not merely construction projects but critical economic arteries for a region whose economy depended heavily on the movement of people, goods and services.
Ohanaeze also acknowledged Obi’s contribution to Igbo political development, particularly his tenure as Anambra governor and former Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum.
It said, however, that recognising his political contributions did not mean Ndigbo should subordinate their developmental interests to his 2027 presidential ambition.
“A man’s political ambition deserves respect. The collective developmental interest of an entire people deserves priority,” it said.
On Umahi, the organisation acknowledged his roles as former Ebonyi governor, former Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum and current Minister of Works, saying his present position offered an opportunity to advance strategic infrastructure across the region.
It, however, cautioned that its support for infrastructure was not a “blank cheque,” demanding quality construction, accountability and timely completion of projects.
Ohanaeze further urged Obi and Umahi to end their public confrontation, stressing that both were sons of Igboland and should place the collective interests of Ndigbo above political differences.
It said the Igbo presidential project should be treated as a long-term national campaign requiring alliances across the six geopolitical zones, political engagement and broader national acceptance.
“Let the roads be built. Let the bridges be completed. Let the Southeast economy grow. Then let Ndigbo enter the next presidential contest from a position of greater strength, unity and national acceptance,” Ohanaeze said.
