The apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, not to rely on his connections with northern elites in any alleged merger talks ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation said the recent political activities of Obi have stirred surprise and scrutiny among Nigerians and Ndigbo.
In a statement issued yesterday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the pan-Igbo group said Obi’s ‘deliberative visits to key northern figures’ such as former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, have been hinting at potential opposition party alignments aimed at unseating President Tinubu in 2027.
It stated, “Observers have closely monitored the subtle political trajectory of Mr Obi over the past nine months, particularly in the core North-West and North-East regions- where he has strategic humanitarian initiatives with political intentions to garner broader northern acceptance and articulate his vision for the upcoming presidential elections.
“With discussions brewing around opposition party alliances and the potential merger of existing parties into a formidable entity spearheaded by Mr Obi’s confidante, Prof Pat Utomi, to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, the political landscape is undoubtedly dynamic and charged with anticipation.
“However, amidst these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo offers a sobering voice of caution to Mr Obi regarding the inherent risks and uncertainties that accompany his relentless pursuit of Northern connections.
“The Northern political establishment, religious scholars, and traditional institutions harbour reservations towards Mr Obi for several notable reasons.
“Firstly, his failure to address the issue of Biafra agitation and enunciate a definitive stance on the matter has left the Northern elites hesitant about endorsing an Igbo presidency.
“Secondly, questions abound concerning the substantive benefits that the North stands to gain from Mr Obi’s self-reliant and self-assured political approach, especially when contrasted with the impactful empowerment endeavours undertaken by figures like President Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
“Thirdly, the North is bewildered as to why Mr Obi has shifted his focus from his historical support bases such as the South-East, Middle Belt, and Niger Delta regions, redirecting his efforts towards soliciting acceptance in the North-West and North-East areas.”
While extending its good wishes to Obi in his political pursuit in the North, Ohanaeze implores him to glean wisdom from the poignant lessons of history, specifically the disenchanting experiences of past Igbo presidential candidates who pinned their hopes on Northern endorsement.
“Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, Chuba Okadigbo, and others serve as stark reminders of the disappointments faced by Igbo aspirants, despite their overtures and perceived alliances with the North.
“It is paramount for Mr Obi and prospective Igbo presidential contenders to internalise these historical narratives and engage the North through a framework of regional collaboration rather than individualistic endeavours,” it added.
