Ohanaeze Ndigbo has criticized the recent statement of Atiku Abubakar supporting the Northern Presidency in the 2027 elections.
According to the statement released by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro criticized Atiku for disregarding the rotation of the presidency.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has agreed to the Southern Presidency tenure for 2023-2031.
According to the statement, they appreciated President Tinubu for the development in the southeastern region including the roads and other infrastructure.
Part of the statement read: “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 Ndigbo’s 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.”