The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against depending solely on connections with northern elites in his political maneuvers ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In a statement issued on Thursday, Secretary-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro expressed the group’s surprise and concern over Obi’s recent political activities, which suggest possible alignments with opposition parties aimed at challenging President Tinubu.
“Observers have closely monitored the subtle political trajectory of Mr Obi over the past nine months, particularly in the core North-West and North-East regions,” the statement read. Ohanaeze highlighted Obi’s strategic initiatives in these regions, including community projects, scholarship grants, and participation in Muslim ceremonies, as efforts to build political support in the North.
However, the group cautioned Obi about the risks and uncertainties of relying heavily on Northern connections. “The Northern political establishment, religious scholars, and traditional institutions harbour reservations towards Mr Obi for several notable reasons,” the statement noted. Ohanaeze urged Obi to learn from the experiences of past Igbo presidential candidates, such as Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, and Chuba Okadigbo, who faced challenges despite seeking Northern endorsement.
The group emphasized the need for engaging the North through regional collaboration rather than individualistic efforts. “It is paramount for Mr Obi and prospective Igbo presidential contenders to internalize these historical narratives and engage the North through a framework of regional collaboration,” the statement concluded.