Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to retire from active politics and embrace the role of a statesman.

In a statement in Abakaliki, yesterday, Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, advised the former Vice President to support Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as fresh faces of the opposition.

It noted that Atiku’s realignment with Obi and Kwankwaso would significantly bolster the opposition’s political future in 2027, but warned that if the realignment fails, the All Progressives Congress (APC) would likely consolidate its position in 2027.

According to the statement, Ohanaeze acknowledged Obi’s acceptance of the Supreme Court judgment that upheld the declaration of APC’s Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential elections, adding that the honourable acceptance endeared Obi to Nigerians across the political spectrum, including members of APC, as a true democrat.

The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo people, vehemently asserts that the Labour Party (LP)’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, did not contest the 2023 elections solely as an Igbo man or on Igbo platforms; rather, his candidacy was driven by his vision for a new and prosperous Nigeria, one that transcends ethnic divisions and fosters unity among all Nigerians.

“Looking forward, Ohanaeze Ndigbo anticipates that the opposition parties will face an arduous challenge in the 2027 elections, if Tinubu declares his interest in seeking re-election as a sitting President. It will be an uphill battle for the PDP, LP and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) unless they unite and form a formidable political party.”

The group encouraged Atiku to retire from active politics and bolster the opposition’s political future in 2027 by supporting Obi and kwankwaso.

It added: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon the legislature to promptly amend electoral laws, introducing stringent penalties for corrupt INEC officials and electoral criminals. Only by taking these decisive steps can we restore Nigerians’ faith in the electoral process and ensure the integrity of future elections.”