In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the 2027 general election, the Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has firmly rejected any alliance with former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, following his endorsement of a Northern presidency.
Atiku’s proposal to maintain Northern leadership beyond the 2023 transition has sparked fury among Igbo leaders, with Ohanaeze Ndigbo stating that his actions have irreparably damaged his standing with the Igbo people.
The Igbo group’s Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abakaliki, emphasized that Atiku’s remarks have escalated existing concerns about the subversion of the rotational presidency principle, a concept vital to maintaining unity and fairness in Nigeria.
Isiguzoro argued that Atiku’s public stance on a Northern presidency disregards the long-standing gentleman’s agreement to rotate power between the North and South. The agreement, which led to the 2023 shift of power to the South, is seen by many as critical to ensuring inclusive governance in Nigeria.
“By pushing for a Northern presidency in 2027, Atiku is going against the grain of a system that has been working towards national balance,” said Isiguzoro. “His reckless pursuit of Northern political hegemony disregards the aspirations of the Igbo people, alienating us further.”
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Atiku’s remarks reveal an exclusionary agenda that undermines the potential of Southern candidates, particularly Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), who has gained significant support in the South East. The Igbo leadership condemned Atiku’s dismissal of Obi as a serious candidate, calling it an affront to the political weight the Labour Party leader holds.
“His public statements reveal an exclusionary agenda that dismisses any Southern candidates, notably Mr. Obi, as potential leaders in the upcoming elections,” Isiguzoro noted. “The implications are clear: Atiku’s vision does not include the South, especially not the Igbo, and that is unacceptable.”
In a bold stance, Ohanaeze Ndigbo declared it would not entertain any political strategies that sought to sideline the Igbo people in the nation’s political process. They strongly criticized Atiku’s approach, urging him to reconsider his position for the sake of national unity.
“Atiku’s pursuit of a Northern presidency contradicts the spirit of our nation’s power rotation,” Isiguzoro asserted. “The Igbo people have made it clear that we will not support any agenda that undermines our rightful place in the national discourse.”
While rejecting Atiku’s proposal, Isiguzoro was quick to acknowledge the positive strides made in the South East under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He praised the ongoing infrastructure development in the region, citing projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway and the Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road, which have been transformative for the people of the South East.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for his focus on the South East, particularly in the construction and rehabilitation of vital federal roads,” Isiguzoro said. “This is a clear indication that the South East’s development is a priority, and we, the Igbo people, are grateful for this.”
Isiguzoro also highlighted the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, a prominent Igbo politician, noting that the region has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure under his guidance.
“At the heart of our advocacy is the need for inclusive governance, which is why we stand firm in rejecting Atiku’s divisive proposals,” Isiguzoro continued. “It is essential that the Igbo people are not sidelined in the political process, and we will not allow any forces to undermine our rights and aspirations.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s reaction comes at a time of intense political maneuvering, as various factions and parties prepare for the 2027 elections. Atiku’s public comments about the Northern presidency have raised eyebrows, particularly among Southern leaders who view the comments as a threat to the ongoing efforts to bring power to the South after President Buhari’s two terms in office.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Isiguzoro remarked. “The Igbo people are resolute in our demand for fairness and justice in the political landscape. We will not back down in our fight for equal representation.”
