By Nwada Vera Agubuike Ukpabi
The upcoming President-General election in 2025 is shrouded in controversy and political manoeuvring.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as a socio-cultural group, has consistently strived to maintain fairness and equal representation among the Igbo-speaking states. The rotational system implemented by the organization ensures that each state has a chance to lead and contribute to the collective aspirations of the Igbo people.
However, the fear of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has gripped the minds of a certain South-East governor and his allies, leading them to engage in unconstitutional actions to restrict the emergence of the President-General from Rivers State.
The attempt to amend the constitution unlawfully, curbing Rivers State’s rightful turn to produce the President-General, goes against the principles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and threatens the unity of the Igbo people.
The fear of Nyesom Wike’s potential influence on the South-East region and the political landscape leading up to the 2027 presidential election is understandable. However, it should not serve as a justification for undermining the democratic processes within Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Allowing personal ambitions and political calculations to override the will of the people goes against the very essence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s existence.
The South-East Governors, College of Igbo Bishops, Global Igbo leaders, non-state actors, Ndigbo in the diaspora, and Igbo Elders must come together to halt these desperate perpetrators.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo should remain committed to its constitutional principles, ensuring that the aspirations of the Igbo people are respected and that the presidential general election in 2025 proceeds as scheduled, with Rivers State taking its rightful place.
The South-East Governor involved in this controversy should prioritise the collective interest of the Igbo people over personal political ambitions.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential general election should not be held hostage to fears and calculations. By respecting the rotational system and allowing Rivers State its turn, the Governor would demonstrate a commitment to the principles of fairness, justice, and equal representation.
It is incumbent on all stakeholders within Ohanaeze Ndigbo to safeguard the democratic processes, prevent unconstitutional actions, and ensure that the Igbo people’s collective will is upheld. The emergence of an Ohanaeze Ndigbo president-general from Rivers State in 2025 should not be marred by political manipulations or ambitions.
It is an opportunity for the Igbo people to unite, strengthen their identity, and foster a sense of inclusivity and fair representation among all states. Let us stand together to protect the integrity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and honour the principles it stands for.
