A faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to drop his 2027 ambition and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the interest of equity, national unity, and regional advancement.
The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abakaliki by the group’s Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who said it would be nearly impossible for Obi to unseat an incumbent president, especially without overwhelming support from other regions beyond the Southeast.
He pointed to the fractured state of the opposition and the persistence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—who, at 81, still harbours presidential ambition—as factors that could undermine Obi’s chances and split the opposition vote, ultimately benefiting President Tinubu.
“In light of these realities, Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly urges Mr. Obi to summon his righteous resolve and reconsider his aspirations for the presidency in 2027. The current political climate, marked by a lack of unity among opposition leaders and the inordinate ambition of Atiku Abubakar—who, at the age of 81, seeks the presidency—poses a significant risk,” Isiguzoro said.
He stressed that President Tinubu has made meaningful gestures toward the Southeast, citing the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works and the ongoing rehabilitation of key federal roads in the region, along with increased federal allocations.
According to him, these efforts show Tinubu’s commitment to the region’s development and could be strengthened through strategic cooperation.
“The likelihood that both Obi and Atiku will fracture the opposition vote is high, ultimately paving the way for President Tinubu’s reelection. Should this scenario unfold, the repercussions will undoubtedly fall heavily upon the Southeast,” he warned.
“While this truth may be a bitter pill for Mr. Obi to swallow, we urge him to engage in deep reflection and relinquish his presidential ambitions in favour of advocating for the pressing needs of the Southeast,” he added.
Isiguzoro argued that an alliance with Tinubu could place the Southeast at the centre of national progress, especially given the visible infrastructural work currently being championed by a fellow Igbo son in the Federal Executive Council.
“We believe that a strategic alliance with President Tinubu, particularly in light of the infrastructural developments spearheaded by Umahi, may yield far greater benefits for our region,” he said.
He concluded by urging Obi to put the Southeast first.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon Mr. Peter Obi to prioritise the collective interests of the Southeast over individual aspirations, for the greater good of our people.”
