Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-political group, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting a Northern presidency in the 2027 elections. According to Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze, Atiku’s decision has alienated him from the Igbo community, which views it as a betrayal of the principle of rotational presidency.
The rotational presidency arrangement is a critical political practice in Nigeria aimed at ensuring power-sharing between the North and the South. Ohanaeze argues that after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Northern leadership (2015–2023), the presidency should remain in the South until 2031. Atiku’s recent statements, however, signal his intent to disrupt this arrangement, prioritizing Northern dominance over national fairness.
Isiguzoro accused Atiku of sidelining Southern leaders, particularly Peter Obi of the Labour Party, by presenting him as a running mate rather than acknowledging his capability as a presidential contender. Such actions, according to Ohanaeze, diminish the political aspirations of the Igbo people and undermine their rightful place in Nigeria’s leadership discourse.
Ohanaeze extended praise to President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing infrastructure development in the Southeast. Under Senator Dave Umahi’s leadership, key projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road, and the Sokoto-Lagos Superhighways have made significant progress. These developments are seen as a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to the region.
Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to resisting any political agenda that undermines the dignity and aspirations of the Igbo people. The group vowed to unite the Southeast in support of leaders who champion fairness, inclusivity, and development.
Isiguzoro emphasized that Atiku’s push for a Northern presidency in 2027 shows a disconnect from the evolving dynamics of Nigerian democracy. He urged patriotic Nigerians to reject such exclusionary politics and focus on promoting equity and justice for all regions.
The Igbo apex group called on its people to remain steadfast in advocating for their rightful representation and contributions to national leadership.
