Ohanaeze Warns Igbo Presidential Aspirants Against Contesting 2027 Election Without Electoral Reforms

By Alex Odeh

The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said that with the current political arrangement in Nigeria, it would be difficult for anyone, especially any aspirant from the Igbo extraction to win the 2027 presidential election.

The warning was conveyed through a press statement issued during the weekend in Abakaliki and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He noted that the chances any of such aspirants become leaner with the proposal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to substitute electronic voting process with mannual voting and transmission of result.

The statement reads, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, issues this statement compelled by its unwavering commitment to the well-being and future of Ndigbo.

“With utmost candor and respect, we are duty-bound to address the prevailing political landscape and its potential ramifications for our people, particularly in the context of the forthcoming 2027 Presidential elections.

“The prevailing realities, unfortunately, necessitate an honest and unflinching assessment. Our considered observation reveals that the current vulnerabilities within the electoral system, coupled with the existing political dynamics, present a significant impediment to any opposition candidate challenging the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections, unless comprehensive electoral reforms are implemented.

“It is with deep regret that we must acknowledge the uncomfortable truth: the integrity of the electoral process is demonstrably weakened. The systemic loopholes and potential for manipulation within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be ignored.

“These weaknesses, if left unaddressed, create an environment ripe for exploitation by those seeking to maintain power, thereby jeopardizing the prospects of a fair and credible election.

“The implications of INEC’s proposed reliance on manual processing and the potential abandonment of the electronically transmitted results, as a substitute of electronic transmission of votes to the INEC portal , further amplifies these concerns.

“Such a shift would disproportionately favour those with the means and motive to manipulate the process, ultimately disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate and discouraging meaningful participation.

“Against this backdrop, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, acting in the best interests of Ndigbo, feels obliged to issue this poignant advisory. Any Igbo individual considering a Presidential bid in 2027 must, therefore, recognize the inherent limitations of the current environment.

“Engaging in a contest under these conditions, without significant electoral reforms, may prove a costly and ultimately futile endeavor. Such an undertaking could not only squander valuable resources but also risk undermining the political fortunes of the entire Southeast geopolitical zone.

“Consequently, we implore prospective Igbo Presidential candidates to re-evaluate their aspirations. We urge them to prioritize the urgent needs of our region, including the pressing challenges of insecurity and economic revitalization.
“Ohanaeze acknowledges the constitutional rights of all citizens to pursue their political ambitions; however, we are equally committed to delivering the unvarnished truth, no matter the personal cost. The stark reality is this: WITHOUT MEANINGFUL ELECTORAL REFORMS, VICTORY IN THE 2027 ELECTIONS IS EXTREMELY UNLIKELY.

“The potential consequences of supporting an Igbo candidate who cannot defeat the incumbent President are significant. The economic well-being of our people is intimately tied to political stability and fair play. A failed presidential bid could expose innocent Igbo traders and businesses to potential vulnerabilities, particularly within significant economic hubs across Nigeria, most notably in Lagos.

“Therefore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the interest of safeguarding our collective future, advises that: NDIGBO MAY NOT FIELD ANY IGBO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IF THERE IS NO ELECTORAL REFORMS”, he stated.