Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, vehemently asserts that the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Mr. 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.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges Mr. Obi’s acceptance of the Supreme Court’s judgment against his appeal on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) verdict, which declared President Tinubu as the rightful winner of the 2023 Presidential elections. This honorable acceptance has endeared Mr. Obi to Nigerians across the political spectrum, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His conduct serves as a subtle congratulations to President Tinubu and has prevented his supporters from being unjustly labeled as anarchists.

Looking forward, Ohanaeze Ndigbo anticipates that the opposition parties will face an arduous challenge in the 2027 elections if President Tinubu declares his interest in seeking re-election as a sitting President. It will be an uphill battle for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) unless they unite and amalgamate into a formidable political force. At this critical juncture, we encourage former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to retire from active politics and embrace the role of a statesman, lending his support to Mr. Obi and Mr. Kwakwanso as the fresh faces of the opposition. Such a realignment would significantly bolster the opposition’s political future in 2027.

It is crucial to note that if this realignment fails to materialize, President Tinubu is likely to consolidate his position in 2027. The Nigerian electorate seeks a reformation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through the National Assembly. 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.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to promoting inclusivity, justice, and unity within Nigeria. We urge all Nigerians to unite and work towards building a more prosperous and equitable nation, one where the aspirations of every citizen, irrespective of their ethnic background, are embraced and celebrated.

Mazi Okechukwu isiguzoro
SSecretary-General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo.