Ohanaeze Advises Atiku to Retire From Politics And Embrace Statesman’s Role

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that he should retire from active politics and assume the role of a statesman.

In a statement in Abakaliki, yesterday, the Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, advised Atiku to throw his support behind Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as fresh faces in the opposition.

It noted that Atiku’s realignment with Obi and Kwankwaso could strengthen the opposition’s political future in 2027.

It is cautioned that should this realignment not succeed, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may strengthen its position in 2027.

According to the statement, Ohanaeze acknowledged Obi’s acceptance of the Supreme Court’s judgment, which confirmed Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential elections.

Obi’s honorable acceptance was praised for its demonstration of true democratic values and won him admiration from across the political spectrum, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, vehemently asserts that the Labour Party (LP)’s Presidential candidate, Peter 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.

“Looking forward, Ohanaeze Ndigbo anticipates that the opposition parties will face an arduous challenge in the 2027 elections if Tinubu declares his interest in seeking re-election as a sitting President. It will be an uphill battle for the PDP, LP, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) unless they unite and form a formidable political party.”

The group advised Atiku to consider retiring from active politics and contribute to strengthening the opposition’s position in 2027 by supporting Obi and Kwankwaso.

It added: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon the legislature to promptly amend electoral laws, introducing stringent penalties for corrupt INEC officials and electoral criminals. Only by taking these decisive steps can we restore Nigerians’ faith in the electoral process and ensure the integrity of future elections.”

Kanyi Daily recalls that the presidential tribunal sitting in Abuja  reserved judgment on the petition filed by Atiku Abubakar on the February 25 presidential election.