Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural organization, has passionately called upon Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to gracefully step back from the political arena and throw his support behind Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party, in a collaborative effort with Rabiu Kwankwaso, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to Ohanaeze, this strategic reconfiguration is essential to enhance the prospects of the opposition in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
The organization expressed concerns that a significant challenge looms for the opposition if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decides to declare his candidacy for the 2027 election. Consequently, they underscore the importance of a united front.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, emphasized that Peter Obi’s 2023 election bid transcended regional or ethnic boundaries, focusing on a vision for a new and prosperous Nigeria that promotes unity among all its citizens.
In an official statement signed by Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged Peter Obi to shift his gaze beyond 2023 and direct his attention to the horizon of 2027.
The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges Mr. Obi’s dignified acceptance of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding his appeal on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) verdict, which upheld President Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 Presidential elections.
“This honorable acceptance has garnered Mr. Obi respect from a wide spectrum of Nigerians, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His conduct stands as a tacit congratulation to President Tinubu and has prevented his supporters from being unjustly labeled as disruptors.
“As we look ahead, Ohanaeze Ndigbo anticipates that the opposition parties will encounter a formidable challenge in the 2027 elections should President Tinubu decide to seek re-election as an incumbent. 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 consolidate and form a robust political alliance.
“At this pivotal juncture, we encourage former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to gracefully exit active politics and assume the role of a statesman, offering his wholehearted support to Mr. Obi and Mr. Kwankwaso as the fresh faces of the opposition. Such a strategic realignment would substantially fortify the opposition’s political prospects in 2027.”
