Igbo will not vote PDP despite making Okowa VP candidate, says Ohanaeze

gbo apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, said that Igbo will never vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite making the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who is an Igbo man, the running mate to the presidential flag bearer and former Vice President, Alhaji Abubarka Atiku.

They noted that Okowa is aware of the existing political embargo on Igbo not to accept vice presidential slot if both APC and PDP refused to give an Igbo man presidential their tickets.

In a statement issued, yesterday, in Abakaliki, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that Okowa, despite being aware of the embargo, did not consult Igbo before accepting the offer, maintaining that the zone would never vote for PDP.

The statement reads: “Ohanaeze concedes to the fact that Okowa is an Igbo son but disagrees with his assertion of being loyal to PDP for his acceptance of PDP vice-presidential nomination.

“Okowa is an Igbo man, no doubt, but he never consulted Igbo leadership and elders, being aware of the existing political embargo on Igbo not to accept a vice-presidential slot in 2023. His explanations lack morality, sincerity, and integrity, and Igbo will never vote for Atiku because of Okowa’s shrewdness and unreliable nature.”

“Okowa’s explanation has lessened the resilience of Atiku in the ascending popularity of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. The popularity of Obi makes it impossible for Igbo to support Atiku because of Okowa. Even in Delta, Labour Party would defeat Atiku in 2023.

“Ndigbo has already begun to look for alternatives for 2023 away from PDP and Nigerians need a paradigm shift in 2023; a shift in power from North to South, from a Muslim Northerner to a Christian Southerner.

“From an older and antiquated to a young and vibrant president. Moreover, from corrupt politicians to sincere leaders in 2023, specially tested and reliable leaders whose antecedents are verifiable with impressive results anchored on good governance.”