Ohanaeze Ndigbo Urges Peter Obi To Support Tinubu’s Second Term For South-East Stability.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to set aside his ambitions for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election and back President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term. In a statement issued on Wednesday by factional Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group argued that Obi’s candidacy could fracture opposition votes, paving the way for Tinubu’s re-election while potentially harming the South-East’s interests.
Ohanaeze highlighted the infrastructural progress made under Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the South-East, as a key reason for their stance. The appointment of Engr. David Umahi as Minister of Works has led to significant rehabilitation of the region’s dilapidated federal road projects, they noted. Additionally, federal allocations to the South-East have tripled, benefiting all five regional governors regardless of their political affiliations. These developments, the group argued, demonstrate Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the region’s long-standing infrastructural deficits.
The statement reflected on past electoral losses, pointing out that the 2019 Atiku-Obi ticket cost the South-East a promised sixth state, which former President Muhammadu Buhari had pledged in exchange for Igbo support. Ohanaeze expressed concern that Obi’s 2027 candidacy could lead to similar setbacks, warning that the South-East cannot single-handedly secure the presidency for him. The group cautioned that a divided opposition, exacerbated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s pursuit of the presidency at 81, might inadvertently strengthen Tinubu’s position due to the power of incumbency.
While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to contest, Ohanaeze urged him to reconsider his ambitions to avoid potential betrayal and adverse consequences for the Igbo people. The group recalled the 2023 election, where the South-East’s strong support for the Labour Party did not translate into victory, underscoring the challenges of overcoming Nigeria’s complex political dynamics. They suggested that aligning with Tinubu could yield greater benefits for the region, particularly in light of ongoing infrastructural advancements.
The call comes amid growing political tensions, with Ohanaeze also addressing recent threats against Obi by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who warned the former Anambra governor against visiting Edo without permission. The youth wing of Ohanaeze condemned the remarks as an “assassination threat,” urging President Tinubu to intervene and ensure Obi’s safety, reflecting broader concerns about political intimidation.
Ohanaeze’s statement has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of Obi, particularly the Obidient Movement, have reaffirmed their commitment to his leadership, dismissing claims of disunity within the Labour Party. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s allies view the endorsement as a significant boost for his re-election campaign, especially in the South-East, a region historically aligned with opposition parties. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Ohanaeze’s plea underscores the delicate balance of regional interests and national politics, with the group advocating for unity and strategic alignment to secure the South-East’s future.
