2027: Ohanaeze Ndigbo rejects Atiku’s call for northern Presidency, backs Tinubu

The apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticized recent comments by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar advocating for a Northern presidency in the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group condemned Atiku’s stance, describing it as a blatant disregard for the principle of rotational presidency.

Ohanaeze reaffirmed its unwavering support for a Southern presidency from 2023 to 2031, emphasizing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructural development in Southeastern Nigeria, especially in areas neglected during past administrations.

The statement highlighted “We assert, without equivocation, that the conclusion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Northern term—spanning eight years from 2015 to 2023—must mark a transition of leadership back to Southern Nigeria, from 2023 to 2031.

“This transition is essential for facilitating equitable representation and governance across our diverse nation. Atiku Abubakar’s relentless pursuit of Northern hegemony has irreparably tarnished his reputation among the Igbo people, now perceived as a direct affront to our aspirations for inclusion and progress.

“His rhetoric has communicated a disheartening exclusionary agenda, dismissing Southern candidates, including Mr. Obi, as credible choices for future leadership.

“The implications of his statements reveal an inclination to pigeonhole Mr. Obi into a subordinate role when he should be recognized as a formidable opposition leader in his own right.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unreservedly repudiates such political maneuvers that aim to reduce the Igbo people to a secondary status within the political milieu.

“Furthermore, Ohanaeze vision is not contingent upon Atiku Abubakar’s advocacy for a Northern presidency but rather is firmly anchored in the significant infrastructural progress currently unfolding across Southeastern Nigeria.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable governance and pledged its full support for President Tinubu, whose efforts, it said, align with the aspirations of the Igbo people.