Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Sunday threw their weight behind electoral reforms, maintaining that unless comprehensive electoral reforms are implemented, defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election will be very difficult.
In a statement in Abakaliki, the Deputy National President of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the integrity of the electoral process is demonstrably weakened, saying that if not addressed, the systemic loopholes and potential for manipulation within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be ignored.
He called on the National Assembly to do the needful by reviewing our electoral system so that it will not create an environment ripe for exploitation by those seeking to maintain power, thereby jeopardising the prospects of a fair and credible election.
“Against this backdrop, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, acting in the best interests of Ndigbo, feels obliged to issue this poignant advisory that any Igbo individual considering a Presidential bid in 2027 must, therefore, recognise the inherent limitations of the current environment,” he said.
He warned that those who have ambitions to contest for the presidency come 2027 should have a rethink because engaging in a contest under these conditions, without significant electoral reforms, may prove a costly and ultimately futile endeavour.
According to him, such an undertaking could not only squander valuable resources but also risk undermining the political fortunes of the entire nation, especially in Southeast.
The statement read: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people, with utmost candour and respect, are duty-bound to address the prevailing political landscape and its potential ramifications for our people, particularly in the context of the forthcoming 2027 Presidential elections.
“The prevailing realities, unfortunately, necessitate an honest and unflinching assessment, and our considered observation reveals that the current vulnerabilities within the electoral system, coupled with the existing political dynamics, present a significant impediment to any opposition candidate challenging the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections, unless comprehensive electoral reforms are implemented.
“It is with deep regret that we must acknowledge the uncomfortable truth: the integrity of the electoral process is demonstrably weakened, and the systemic loopholes and potential for manipulation within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be ignored.
“These weaknesses, if left unaddressed, create an environment ripe for exploitation by those seeking to maintain power, thereby jeopardising the prospects of a fair and credible election.
“The implications of INEC’s proposed reliance on manual processing and the potential abandonment of the electronically transmitted results, as a substitute for electronic transmission of votes to the INEC portal, further amplify these concerns.
“Such a shift would disproportionately favour those with the means and motive to manipulate the process, ultimately disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate and discouraging meaningful participation.
“Against this backdrop, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, acting in the best interests of Ndigbo, feels obliged to issue this poignant advisory and any Igbo individual considering a Presidential bid in 2027 must, therefore, recognise the inherent limitations of the current environment.
“Engaging in a contest under these conditions, without significant electoral reforms, may prove a costly and ultimately futile endeavour. Such an undertaking could not only squander valuable resources but also risk undermining the political fortunes of the entire Southeast geopolitical zone.
“Consequently, we implore prospective Igbo Presidential candidates to re-evaluate their aspirations. We urge them to prioritise the urgent needs of our region, including the pressing challenges of insecurity and economic revitalisation.
“Ohanaeze acknowledges the constitutional rights of all citizens to pursue their political ambitions; however, we are equally committed to delivering the unvarnished truth, no matter the personal cost. The stark reality is this: without meaningful electoral reforms, victory in the 2027 elections is extremely difficult.
“The potential consequences of supporting an Igbo candidate who cannot defeat the incumbent President are significant, and the economic well-being of our people is intimately tied to political stability and fair play.
“A failed presidential bid could expose innocent Igbo traders and businesses to potential vulnerabilities, particularly within significant economic hubs across Nigeria, most notably in Lagos.
“Therefore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the interest of safeguarding our collective future, advises that Ndigbo may not field any Igbo Presidential candidate if there are no electoral reforms.”
