The Chidi Ibeh faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, not to rely on his connections with northern elites in any alleged merger talks ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation said that the recent political activities of Obi have stirred surprise and scrutiny among Nigerians and Ndigbo. In a statement issued, yesterday, by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Ohanaeze faction said that Obi’s visits to key northern figures, such as former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, have been seen as a precursor to a potential opposition parties alignment aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
It stated: “Observers have closely monitored the subtle political trajectory of Obi over the past nine months, particularly in the core North-West and North-East regions where he has strategic humanitarian initiatives with political intentions to garner broader northern acceptance and articulate his vision for the upcoming presidential elections.
“Notably, Obi’s understated community projects, scholarship grants and participation in Muslim ceremonies have been perceived as steps to fortify his political stature, especially in the North, ahead of the 2027 polls.
“With discussions brewing around opposition party alliances and the potential merger of existing parties into a formidable entity spearheaded by Obi’s confidant, Prof. Pat Utomi, to challenge Tinubu in 2027, the political landscape is undoubtedly dynamic and charged with anticipation.”
“However, amid these developments, Ohanaeze offers a sobering voice of caution to Obi regarding the inherent risks and uncertainties that accompany his relentless pursuit of Northern connections.”
The group noted that the Northern political establishment, religious scholars and traditional institutions harbour reservations towards Obi for several notable reasons.
First, according to Ohanaeze, his failure to address the issue of Biafra agitation and enunciate a definitive stance on the matter has left the Northern elites hesitant about endorsing an Igbo presidency.
Second, the group noted that questions abound concerning the substantive benefits that the North stands to gain from Obi’s self-reliant and self-assured political approach, especially when contrasted with the impactful empowerment endeavours undertaken by figures like Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Third, it said that the North is bewildered as to why Obi has shifted his focus from his historical support bases, such as the South-East, Middle Belt, and Niger Delta regions, redirecting his efforts towards soliciting acceptance in the North-West and North-East areas.
While extending its good wishes to Obi in his political pursuit in the North, Ohanaeze implores him to glean wisdom from the poignant lessons of history, specifically the disenchanting experiences of past Igbo presidential candidates who pinned their hopes on Northern endorsement.
