Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo ethnic group, has strongly criticized the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, for his recent suggestion that the presidency in 2027 should return to the northern region. According to the group, Atiku’s statement has led to a significant loss of support among the Igbo people, who have long been advocating for a president from their region. Ohanaeze’s comments have reignited the debate over the distribution of political power in Nigeria, highlighting the growing discontent in the Southeast over what is seen as a failure to address their political aspirations.
Atiku’s Proposal and Its Implications
Atiku Abubakar, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), recently proposed that the 2027 presidential race should focus on the north, suggesting that it would be appropriate for the region to retain the presidency for another term following the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, a northern leader. This remark has sparked outrage, particularly in the Southeast, where there is a growing sentiment that it is time for the Igbo ethnic group to produce the next president of Nigeria.
Atiku’s statement has not only alienated many in the Southeast but also left many questioning his commitment to national unity and fairness in Nigeria’s political structure. The proposal comes at a time when the Igbo people are still grappling with the fallout of not having a Nigerian president since the late General Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as the ceremonial head of state from 1963 to 1966. For decades, the demand for an Igbo president has been a central feature of the region’s political agenda, with calls for inclusivity and fairness in the political process.
Ohanaeze’s Strong Response
In a statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo accused Atiku of undermining the aspirations of the Igbo people by suggesting that the North should retain the presidency in 2027. According to the group, Atiku’s comments were a betrayal of the hopes and expectations of the Southeast, who believed that his candidacy could have advanced the region’s political interests. The organization expressed disappointment that Atiku, who had previously garnered support from the Southeast during his 2019 presidential bid, would make such a proposal that runs counter to the growing demand for Igbo representation at the highest levels of government.
Ohanaeze’s position highlights the frustration of many Igbos, who feel marginalized by the political system. The region has historically been underrepresented in Nigeria’s presidential office, with no Igbo person having held the country’s top political position since the Civil War era. Many see Atiku’s suggestion as a denial of the fairness and equity that the Southeast deserves in the rotation of political power across Nigeria’s regions.
The Political Context of the 2027 Elections
The 2027 general elections are already shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle for political dominance in Nigeria. With the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) likely to field a candidate from the north and the PDP still grappling with internal divisions, the question of which region will produce the next president is set to dominate discussions in the lead-up to the election.
Atiku’s proposal for a northern presidency has added another layer of complexity to the conversation. While he has made strides in building political alliances across the country, especially in the north, his remarks about the 2027 election have raised concerns about his ability to unite Nigerians from different regions. The southeast, in particular, views this proposal as a serious setback to their aspirations of seeing an Igbo president.
The political landscape in Nigeria is heavily shaped by the power dynamics between the north, south, and other regions. For many in the Southeast, the idea of a northern presidency in 2027 is seen as a continuation of the status quo—where political power is concentrated in the hands of a few northern elites. This has led to growing calls for a political shift, with the Igbo people believing that it is their turn to take the reins of power after decades of exclusion.
Ohanaeze’s Call for Inclusivity
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s response to Atiku’s remarks is a call for greater inclusivity and fairness in the Nigerian political system. The group has consistently advocated for the rotation of the presidency to reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic groups and regions. For the Igbo people, this means ensuring that the presidency rotates to their region in 2027. The Southeast has long argued that it is their turn to provide a president, given the historical marginalization they have faced.
Atiku’s comments have added fuel to the fire of discontent in the Southeast, further cementing the belief that Nigeria’s political establishment remains indifferent to the aspirations of the Igbo people. Many are now questioning whether Atiku, as a leading candidate from the PDP, truly understands the dynamics of Nigerian politics and the growing dissatisfaction in the Southeast over their continued exclusion from the presidency.
Implications for Atiku’s 2027 Ambition
Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions for 2027 have now been complicated by his comments regarding the North’s continued hold on the presidency. His proposal has led to a significant backlash, especially among the Igbo electorate, and may hurt his chances of securing support from the Southeast in the upcoming election. The Igbos, who were crucial in the 2019 elections, are now less likely to back Atiku, as they feel that his stance on a northern presidency undermines their rightful claim to the presidency.
Atiku will need to navigate the complex political dynamics of Nigeria carefully in the lead-up to 2027. If he is to remain a viable contender, he will have to address the concerns of the Southeast and present a more inclusive platform that resonates with all regions of the country. For many in the Igbo community, Atiku’s chances in the 2027 elections are tied to his ability to acknowledge the political aspirations of their region.
Atiku Abubakar’s recent suggestion for a northern presidency in 2027 has sparked a strong reaction from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and many across the Southeast. The comments have led to a significant loss of support among the Igbo people, who view the proposal as a betrayal of their long-standing demand for a president from their region. With the 2027 elections fast approaching, Atiku’s ability to repair his relationship with the Southeast will be crucial if he hopes to secure widespread support across Nigeria. The growing call for Igbo representation at the highest level of government remains a central issue, and how political leaders address this demand will likely shape the political future of the country.