Press Release – September 23rd 2024

In the wake of the recent gubernatorial elections in Edo State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, feels compelled to address the implications of political treachery that have unfolded within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This moment offers us a crucial opportunity to reflect on the trajectory of those who have, through their actions, manifested a disconcerting disregard for the principles of equity and justice that ought to govern our democratic engagements.

In 2022, Ohanaeze Ndigbo made a heartfelt plea to the esteemed stakeholders within the PDP. We meticulously articulated the need to adhere to the zoning formula, a fundamental aspect of the party’s constitution that espouses the rotational presidency, thus granting the Southeast its rightful opportunity to field a candidate for the 2023 presidential elections. This appeal was not merely a routine request; it echoed the sentiments of millions of Nigerians who yearned for a political landscape characterized by fairness and inclusivity. We endorsed the idea of a collaborative governance structure that honors the longstanding agreement between the Northern and Southern regions of our great nation.

Despite our earnest entreaties, key figures within the PDP—including former governors Udom Emmanuel and Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Dino Melaye, and Governor Godwin Obaseki—willingly chose to ignore these vital principles. Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautioned that such political recklessness would not be without repercussions. Our warnings were clear: straying from the path of governance that respects the aspirations of the Southeast would inevitably lead to significant political fallout for Atiku Abubakar and his supporters.

The recent defeat of the PDP in the Edo gubernatorial election, particularly under the leadership of sitting governor Godwin Obaseki, serves as a compelling testament to this very principle. It is a resounding reminder that karma is an unwavering force, as relentless as time itself. Just as it has caught up with others, such as Dino Melaye during the 2023 Kogi elections, it now bears down on Governor Obaseki. This outcome is emblematic of the wider ramifications of betraying the trust and aspirations of a people yearning for genuine representation.

Furthermore, the consequences of political betrayal have not been lost on former governors Udom Emmanuel and Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. These individuals now find themselves ensnared in a web of political irrelevance, gradually fading from the political discourse they previously dominated. Their attempts to impose their ambitions at the expense of the Southeast’s aspirations have culminated in a staggering loss of influence, leaving them politically marginalized and disconnected from the constituents they once purported to represent. 

As we reflect on this sobering reality, we are obliged to extend our warmest congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor of Edo State, following his compelling victory in the September 21, 2024 election. We urge him to draw valuable lessons from history, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the welfare of all Edo residents—both indigenes and non-indigenes alike. His tenure should be characterized by a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the protection of lives and properties—a mandate that reflects the trust bestowed upon him by the electorate.

Moreover, this unfolding narrative serves as a grave warning to those who may contemplate obstructing the aspirations for a Southern presidency in 2027 by endorsing a Northern candidate. Those who previously sought to sidestep the legitimate entitlements of the Southeast during the Atiku Abubakar candidacy in 2023 are witnessing their gradual relegation to political obscurity. The trajectory of this betrayal is clear: such actions carry the weight of consequences that cannot be overlooked.

In closing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirms our unwavering belief that the voice of the Southeast must not be silenced or marginalized. It is our collective responsibility to champion principles of justice, fairness, and respect for democratic tenets in Nigeria’s political landscape. As we navigate the ever-evolving political terrain, may we remain vigilant in our commitment to foster an environment that honors the aspirations of all Nigerians, particularly those from the Southeast.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro  

Secretary General  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo