2027: Atiku Has Lost Igbo Support For Proposing Northern Presidency – Ohanaeze

Following the endorsement of a Northern presidency in the 2027 general election by former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Wednesday said that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) stalwart has lost any alliance with the Igbo.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, argued that Atiku’s outburst has exacerbated longstanding concerns within the Nigerian polity, particularly among the Igbo people, regarding the potential subversion of the critically important principle of rotational presidency.

He further maintained that Atiku’s reckless pursuit of Northern political hegemony has irreparably tarnished his standing among the Igbo populace, signalling an affront to their aspirations for inclusion and representation in governance.

According to Ohanaeze, his public statements reveal an exclusionary agenda that dismisses any Southern candidates, notably Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), as potential leaders in the upcoming elections. He added that the implications of his rhetorical choices suggest a desire to construe Mr. Obi merely as a running mate, rather than acknowledging him as a capable opposition leader with valid political weight.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely rebuffs any political stratagem that seeks to subordinate the Igbo people or undermine their rightful place in the national discourse, maintaining that the Igbo will instead extend their commendations to President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s dedicated focus on significant infrastructural developments currently underway in the Southeast.

Isiguzoro noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Northern tenure, which spanned eight years from 2015 to 2023, marked a necessary transition of political power and leadership to Southern Nigeria from 2023 to 2031, wondering why Atiku would propose a Northern presidency in 2027.

He said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically dismisses, renounces, and rejects any insinuation of an Igbo alliance with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a partnership predicated on his apparent disregard for the Gentleman’s Agreement governing the rotational presidency.

“We assert with unwavering conviction that the conclusion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Northern tenure, which spanned eight years from 2015 to 2023, marks a necessary transition of political power and leadership to Southern Nigeria from 2023 to 2031.

“His public statements reveal an exclusionary agenda that dismisses any Southern candidates, notably Mr. Obi, as potential leaders in the upcoming elections. The implications suggest a desire to construe Mr. Obi merely as a running mate, rather than acknowledging him as a capable opposition leader with valid political weight.

“Moreover, it is essential to clarify that Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s focus extends beyond Atiku’s increasingly untenable advocacy for a Northern presidency. Rather, our critical emphasis lies on the ongoing infrastructural renaissance occurring throughout Southeastern Nigeria.

“Thus, we extend our commendations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s dedicated focus on significant infrastructural developments currently underway in the Southeast.

“Under the astute leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, a member of our community, we have witnessed the rehabilitation and construction of vital federal roadways—specifically the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road, and the Sokoto-Lagos Superhighways.”

Expressing the sentiments of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Isiguzoro articulates the gravity of their position, noting that Atiku has irreparably alienated himself from the Igbo people due to his unreserved endorsement of a Northern presidency—an endorsement which directly contravenes established norms of power rotation.

His actions underscore a profound disconnection from the aspirations of patriotic Nigerians, revealing an obstinate reluctance to embrace the evolving dynamics of democratic governance.

He added, “We, the Igbo people, stand unyielding in our declaration: We shall not entertain any political agenda that undermines our dignity and aspirations. Rather, we will mobilize collectively to ensure the benefits of development and recognition are allocated to those who sincerely advocate for our cause.”