The Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has carpeted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reported push for a northern presidency in 2027.
The group submitted that by his push and open romance with Peter Obi, Atiku wants to make the former Labour Party presidential candidate his Vice President.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, said it stands against any attempt to install a northern presidency in 2027, saying power must remain in the south until 2031.
The Igbo socio-cultural group submitted further that the push by Atiku for a northern presidency in 2027 is provocative, against the dynamics of Nigerian politics, and is in total disregard for the southeast.
The statement on Wednesday, signed by the group’s Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that Atiku’s pursuit of a northern presidency has tarnished his image among Igbo people.
“The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, issues an emphatic and unequivocal response to the recent statements made by former Vice President and 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, advocating for a Northern Presidency in the 2027 elections.
“This provocative endorsement starkly contradicts the evolving dynamics of Nigerian politics, imposing grave concerns surrounding the potential erosion of the rotational presidency—a crucial tenet that has underpinned our democratic framework since its inception in 1999.
“Atiku Abubakar’s unabashed promotion of a Northern candidate underscores his unwillingness to support Southern aspirants, notably Mr. Peter Obi, who has garnered widespread admiration among the Igbo populace. Such disregard emanates profound concerns, revealing an intent to undermine Mr. Obi’s political stature within the broader coalition of opposition parties. The alarming suggestion that he might be relegated to a vice-presidential candidacy is both unacceptable and symptomatic of a troubling political landscape.
“In light of these disquieting developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically dismisses, renounces, and rejects any insinuation of an alliance with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, firmly grounded in his blatant disregard for the time-honored Gentleman’s Agreement on the rotational presidency.
“We assert, without equivocation, that the conclusion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Northern term—spanning eight years from 2015 to 2023—must mark a transition of leadership back to Southern Nigeria, from 2023 to 2031. This transition is essential for facilitating equitable representation and governance across our diverse nation.
Atiku Abubakar’s relentless pursuit of Northern hegemony has irreparably tarnished his reputation among the Igbo people, now perceived as a direct affront to our aspirations for inclusion and progress,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze also alleged that Atiku is trying to make Peter Obi a subordinate in his push for a northern candidate.
“His rhetoric has communicated a disheartening exclusionary agenda, dismissing Southern candidates, including Mr. Obi, as credible choices for future leadership. The implications of his statements reveal an inclination to pigeonhole Mr. Obi into a subordinate role when he should be recognized as a formidable opposition leader in his own right. Ohanaeze Ndigbo unreservedly repudiates such political maneuvers that aim to reduce the Igbo people to a secondary status within the political milieu.
“Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s vision is not contingent upon Atiku Abubakar’s advocacy for a Northern presidency, but rather is firmly anchored in the significant infrastructural progress currently unfolding across Southeastern Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Igbo group while declaring support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, said while Atiku was in power as the Vice President of the country, he did not make the needs of the southeast a priority.
Iziguzoro vowed that they would mobilize against any attempt to install a northern presidency in 2027.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing developmental initiatives that are vital to our region. Under the exemplary leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, the ongoing rehabilitation and construction of key federal roadways—including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road, and Sokoto-Lagos Superhighways—are poised to amplify connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and promote regional integration.
“These ambitious infrastructure projects stand in stark contrast to the neglect experienced by the Southeast during the Obasanjo/Atiku administration, which left federal highways essential to our development in a state of disrepair from 1999 to 2007.
“President Tinubu’s resolute commitment to rectifying these infrastructural deficiencies within the Southeast has garnered profound gratitude from the Igbo people and will undoubtedly convert into substantial electoral backing for his leadership in the impending 2027 elections.
“Our Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, eloquently encapsulates the sentiments of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, asserting: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has irrevocably severed ties with the Igbo people due to his unabashed endorsement of a Northern presidency—a move that stands starkly against the established norms of power rotation. His actions reflect a glaring disconnection from the aspirations of well-meaning Nigerians and reveal an archaic obstinacy towards our democratic evolution.”
“As we set our sights on the future, let it be crystal clear: No Igbo individual shall align themselves with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar nor seek any form of allegiance with Northern political ambitions in 2027. Instead, bolstered by the ongoing infrastructural advancements led by Senator Dave Umahi, the Igbo people shall extend their unwavering support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His initiatives resonate deeply with our collective vision for sustainable progress and unity.
“In conclusion, we—the Igbo people—stand resolute in our declaration: We shall not entertain any political agenda that undermines our dignity and aspirations. We will mobilize as one to ensure that the fruits of our development and recognition are channeled towards those who steadfastly advocate for our cause,” the statement concluded.
