The South East Leaders Assembly (SELA) has dismissed remarks attributed to a northern youth leader suggesting that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, cannot become President of Nigeria without first seeking the support or approval of northern youths.

  In a statement issued yesterday ( Thursday) by its Coordinator-General, Mazi Kenneth Oti, and made available through the group’s Press Secretary and Media and Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Prince Decson, the organisation described the comments as “reckless and provocative,” insisting that no region has exclusive rights over Nigeria’s presidency.

 According to the group, Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where leadership is determined by the electorate through free, fair and credible elections, not by any individual or regional bloc.

  “The Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is neither the birthright nor the exclusive preserve of any individual, region or political interest. It belongs to the Nigerian people, who alone have the sovereign authority to choose their leaders,” the statement said.

  SELA argued that suggesting a presidential aspirant must first obtain the approval of a particular region before exercising his constitutional right to contest elections contradicts the principles of democracy, equality and national unity enshrined in the Constitution.

  While acknowledging the strategic importance and contributions of Northern Nigeria to the country’s growth and development, the group stressed that no part of the country should be portrayed as the sole gatekeeper of Nigeria’s democratic process.

  It maintained that every region deserves mutual respect and equal recognition in the nation’s political affairs.
  The assembly also defended Peter Obi, describing him as a leader committed to national unity and inclusive governance.

It said Obi’s presidential aspiration is aimed at serving all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or region, adding that his political message is centred on competence, accountability, justice, security, economic transformation and national renewal.

  The group urged Nigerians to reject narratives capable of deepening ethnic and regional divisions, insisting that elections should be decided by the quality of candidates, their vision, integrity and capacity to lead, rather than regional sentiments or political intimidation.

  SELA also appealed to political leaders, youth groups and public commentators to exercise restraint in their public statements, warning that inflammatory remarks could undermine national cohesion at a time when Nigerians are seeking unity and progress.

  It emphasised that no Nigerian should be treated as a second-class citizen because of their region of origin or political ambition, adding that leadership in a democratic society should be earned through service and the confidence of the electorate.

  The group further noted that Nigeria’s electoral history has shown that no presidential election can be won by the votes of one region alone, stressing that victory requires broad national support and consensus across the country.

  Reaffirming its position, the South East Leaders Assembly declared that the presidency belongs to all Nigerians and not to any particular region, urging citizens to embrace politics of inclusion and allow the electorate to determine the country’s next leader through the ballot box.