Ohanaeze Ndigbo has counselled the Northern Elders to return to their previous affiliation with the former Eastern Region in order to create a strong partnership, following the Northern Elders Forum’s (NEF) regrettable endorsement of Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections. The Secretary-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction led by Chidi Ibeh, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, made the following remarks in a statement made yesterday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State: “The North must heed the call with grace, as they had been the architects of their political misjudgments and blunders.” He also added that accepting the necessity of realignment with the South East is essential for the Northern region’s future prosperity.
Isiguzoro pointed out that prominent religious and traditional leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Kano, expressed heartfelt concerns about the widespread suffering, insecurity, and poverty in the North during the first 11 months of Tinubu’s administration. He said that Nigerians, especially Ndigbo, had taken note of these leaders’ laments. He insisted that voices of dissatisfaction from socio-cultural organisations and political figures in the North revealed a deep-seated discontent with the current course, and he added that if the old traditional allegiance with the East is not renewed, the North runs the risk of being captured by crafty politicians who will continue the regretful cycle that has afflicted the region since 1999.
He insisted that voices of dissatisfaction from socio-cultural organisations and political figures in the North revealed a deep-seated discontent with the current course, and he added that if the old traditional allegiance with the East is not renewed, the North runs the risk of being captured by crafty politicians who will continue the regretful cycle that has afflicted the region since 1999.
The statement reads: “Ohanaeze issues a resounding call to Northern leaders to reflect on the historical missteps of their region from 1999 to 2023. This appeal is in response to the recent declaration by the leadership of NEF expressing regret over their choice of Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
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“In the annals lay the poignant memories of the harmonious political alliances that once existed between the North and the East in the early 1960s. The partnership between the NPC and NCNC is a beacon of unity and collaboration that the North should consider revisiting for future elections.”
The highest Igbo socio-cultural organisation states that in order to avoid regrettable future elections, strategic realignment is necessary. Examples of these choices include the Jos PDP 1998 Convention, the Northern choice of Olusegun Obasanjo over Alex Ekwueme, the 2015 choice of Muhammadu Buhari over Goodluck Jonathan, and the 2023 choice of Tinubu over Peter Obi.
Ohanaeze added: “Ndigbo extends the olive branch to the Northern brethren, but the message remains clear. To pave the way for a prosperous future, returning to the table with the East is paramount. Though supporting Tinubu until 2027 may seem prudent, the North must look towards collaborative efforts with the East, their traditional allies for sustained stability.
“Let the hearts of Northern leaders and the minds of the North be open to historical reflections and alliances. The undulating paths of politics demand discernment and foresight to avoid the temptations and pitfalls of momentary choices.”
