2023: “It’s Presidency Or Nothing, We’re Not Second Class Citizens” – Igbos Reject VP Slot

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has insisted that the Igbos will not accept the vice-presidential slot in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

Ohanaeze Demands Igbo Presidency

During an interview over the weekend, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu insisted that it’s either the two leading political parties give the presidential slot to the people of South-East or nothing for the Igbos in 2023.

Ibegbu, who insisted that Igbos are not ready to take the vice-presidential slot, was reacting to the presidential ambition of the likes of Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Yemi Osinbajo, Aminu Tambuwal, Yahaya Bello, Bala Mohammed, Bukola Saraki and others.

He said: “No way, it’s presidency or nothing. We are not second class citizens in Nigeria and will never be. We would rather watch Nigeria unfold an unjust political higgery pokkery than accept vice president. Are we only good for VP or what?

“What is wrong if we become president? Look, if nobody in Igbo land is ready to battle for president till the end, I chuks Ibegbu will come out and I will win. After all, I am better than most people that have been at Aso Rock since 1999.”

On his part, Dimm Uche Okwukwu, the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said Igbos will not be happy if the slot of the Vice President is zoned to them.

Okwukwu said: “If you want the presidency, you must prepare for it, be diplomatic and negotiate for it. I support a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction, it can come from any part of Igbo land.

“They would be happier and feel more dignified if they are allowed to produce the president instead of the vice president.

“You will agree with me that they produced the vice president in the person of Alex Ekwueme in 1979, which is 43 years ago, so why would they be going to the same class they have already passed? I think it’s not dignifying. The Igbos will be sad, they will not be happy.”

Meanwhile, a professor of political economy, Pat Utomi said he won’t decline if the Igbos ask him to contest for presidency in the 2023 general elections.