Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has been encouraged to drop out of the 2027 presidential contest by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a group of the Igbo Sociocultural Organization.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group’s deputy president general, claimed in a statement released on Sunday that Obi lacked the necessary qualifications to depose President Bola Tinubu.
Obi’s interest in the 2027 election, it was further stated, might turn the Igbo people into political lambs in Nigeria and sabotage further political endeavors.
The Igbos are sick of playing opposition politics under Peter Obi’s leadership, Isiguzoro continued, adding that although the submission may be awkward, it is the truth and Ohanaeze will not back down from the harsh reality.
According to the statement, “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, considers it our grave obligation and deep responsibility to present Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, with a harsh and unsettling reality.”
“We must state with the highest respect and unwavering honesty that you do not now possess the political perseverance and necessary brutality necessary to defeat seasoned politician and incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next 2027 elections.
“It would be terrible and a serious threat to our collective life if you allowed the Igbo people to be seduced into poorly planned political conflicts under your leadership. Should you falter in your electoral endeavors, this situation could make us political sacrificial lambs, solidifying the reputation that labels us as Nigeria’s most threatened group.
“It is crucial to stop and consider the unsettling query: why are the Igbos often treated with contempt in Nigeria? Can we really understand how a once-respected and revered tribe, with notable ancestors like Drs. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Michael Okpara, Francis Akanu Ibiam, and Jaja Wachuku, has been reduced from a prominent position to one of inconsequential status, now being categorized as a majority within a minority? We must give this grim reality our full and quick attention. It is clear that our current situation has been greatly exacerbated by the political miscalculations of individuals such as Mr. Peter Obi. The Igbo people are tired of waning in opposition politics under Mr. Obi’s leadership for more than ten years, and we must not be afraid to express this harsh reality.
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We want to make our stance clear in response to three Northern groups’ questions about the possible reactivation of the Eastern-Northern Alliance of the First Republic and their worries about Mr. Obi’s ties to secessionist activists in the Southeast. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is still amenable to any agreement that would allow Igbos to operate their lawful enterprises without being unfairly singled out as an endangered community or subjected to discriminatory governmental policies. As we pledge our devotion to the Nigerian Constitution and to all constitutionally elected offices, including the presidency currently held by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
We must openly voice our concerns about the second question from Northern leadership regarding Mr. Peter Obi’s credibility in holding political authority as well as his ability to protect and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity and unity. Mr. Obi’s actions and inactions raise serious questions about his capacity to keep Nigeria united. If he were to become president, the foundation of our country may be threatened, and it might even become divided into three separate countries.
We urge all parties involved to carefully consider the ramifications of their political decisions as the crucial elections of 2027 get near. Our wonderful country’s future depends on wise choices and a steadfast dedication to its unity.
