Atiku vs Buhari: Ohanaeze, other Igbo groups take final position
The apex Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other groups such as the Igbo Leaders of Thought; the political elite; the intelligentsia; women groups, religious leaders, among others, have resolved to support the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi in the 2019.
The Igbo groups pointed out that they would identify with the former Vice President and his deputy because of their promise to restructure the country along geopolitical zones.
The group made their stand public in a communiqué read on behalf of Ndigbo by Chief Olisa Agbakoba, SAN.
The communiqué entitled “Ndigbo 2019 and beyond Summit read: “The Igbo people of Nigeria held a one day non-partisan and inclusive summit, convened by elders, traditional and religious leaders on November 14 2018, to consider Ndigbo’s place in the polity, especially in the light of the forthcoming 2019 elections.
“The summit deliberated on the state on Ndigbo in Nigeria today, especially after years of exclusion from the centre. This country has never been as divided as it is today. We, Igbo, have always yearned for a level playing field with justice, equity and fairness.
“The summit recognised the nomination of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State as the vice presidential candidate of the PDP and fully endorse this nomination. It was acknowledged that this nomination puts Ndigbo back to the centre of governance. It is, therefore, important that Ndigbo should rally behind the Atiku/Obi ticket.
“We identify with Atiku/Obi ticket on the restructuring agenda as has been reiterated by the four zones of the country, namely South-South, South west, North central and South east. We believe that as long as the federating units remain weak, the centre will continue to be weak. We equally move to appreciate the position of the Atiku/Obi ticket in promoting national unity.
“In conclusion, the summit reiterated that the time is now for Ndigbo to mobilise and organise effectively, realise the Atiku/Obi ticket. We are not campaigning against anybody; we are simply campaigning for our very survival. Igbo votes must count wherever leave in Nigeria.”
