Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to retire from politics and support the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi in forming an alliance with New Nigeria Peoples Party's candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Ohanaeze said such realignment would boost the chances of the opposition in the 2027 presidential election.
The body warned that the opposition would face enormous challenge if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declares interest to run in 2027; hence the need for realignment.
Factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that "Obi did not contest the 2023 elections solely as an Igbo man or on Igbo platforms. Rather, his candidacy was driven by his vision for a new and prosperous Nigeria, one that transcends ethnic divisions and fosters unity among all Nigerians."
In a statement Isiguzoro signed, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization said Obi should look away from 2023 and forward to 2027.
The statement reads: "Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges Mr. Obi's acceptance of the Supreme Court's judgment against his appeal on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) verdict, which declared President Tinubu as the rightful winner of the 2023 Presidential elections.
"This honorable acceptance has endeared Mr. Obi to Nigerians across the political spectrum, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His conduct serves as a subtle congratulations to President Tinubu and has prevented his supporters from being unjustly labeled as anarchists.
"Looking forward, Ohanaeze Ndigbo anticipates that the opposition parties will face an arduous challenge in the 2027 elections if President Tinubu declares his interest in seeking re-election as a sitting President. 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 unite and amalgamate into a formidable political force.
"At this critical juncture, we encourage former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to retire from active politics and embrace the role of a statesman, lending his support to Mr. Obi and Mr. Kwankwaso as the fresh faces of the opposition. Such a realignment would significantly bolster the opposition's political future in 2027."
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