By Seyi Odewale
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has drawn a firm political line against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, following his embarrassing appearance at the Annual Odenigbo Lectures in Owerri, Imo State.
The group warned that political actors who attempt to exploit Igboland for personal ambition risk rejection similar to what El-Rufai faced on Saturday.
El-Rufai, who attended the lectures at Assumpta Cathedral, was met with a storm of protests from participants, forcing him to leave the venue abruptly.
The humiliating reception, Ohanaeze said, was not a coincidence but a reflection of deep resentment against his past actions, particularly the alleged persecution of Southern Kaduna Christians during his tenure as governor.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze accused El-Rufai of using the Owerri platform to “test political waters in Igboland” as part of his alleged 2027 calculations.
The group alleged that his presence in Imo State was a calculated move aimed at reviving his political image in anticipation of a possible Vice Presidential slot on a southern opposition ticket.
“El-Rufai’s attendance was a disingenuous effort to sanitise his tarnished legacy and gauge the political mood of Ndigbo. What he got instead was a resounding rejection that shows he is not welcome,” Ohanaeze declared.
Ohanaeze accused El-Rufai of presiding over policies that resulted in the deaths of more than 2,500 Christians in Southern Kaduna, many of whom were of Igbo origin.
The group stated that such a record renders him unfit to seek relevance in Igboland or aspire to high political office.
“His ignoble legacy renders him unfit to engage with Igbo sensitivities. Those he met in Owerri were families of victims whose lives were shattered during his administration. Their anger is a warning to those considering him for national office,” the statement read.
The organisation stressed that the rejection of El-Rufai in Owerri was symbolic of a broader resistance to politicians who seek to exploit the region for electoral advantage without addressing historical grievances.
“Ohanaeze wishes to make it clear: we will not tolerate any political project that attempts to foist El-Rufai on our people. The fury he met in Owerri will follow him wherever he goes,” the statement added.
The group demanded an unreserved apology from the former governor to the Igbo nation and Southern Kaduna Christians, insisting that without such an act of contrition, he cannot hope to gain legitimacy in the South-East.
“We remain vigilant, united, and unwavering. The Igbo nation will no longer be silenced or marginalised,” the statement concluded.
