By Alex Odeh
The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced that the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi is the most qualified among other Igbo leaders to contest for presidency in 2035.
A press statement by the top Igbo body issued on Friday in Abakaliki and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Thompson Ohia, Deputy President General and National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo respectively, stated that it would be fruitless for the Igbo to produce a presidential aspirant in 2027.
Ohanaeze beckons on the people of the Souteast to work assidiously towards actualizing the visoin of Igbo preaidency in 2035 in order to guarantee a more prosperous future for the Igbo nation.
The statement reads: “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it paramount to convey a forthright and compelling message not only to the Ndigbo but to the entirety of the Nigerian populace.
“We assert, with unwavering candor and respect, that the goal of achieving an Igbo presidency is indeed realizable and sets forth as a compelling objective for the year 2035.
“In this decisive endeavor, we highlight Senator David Umahi as the eminent candidate in a distinguished ensemble of Igbo leaders, which prominently includes Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Okowa, Pius Anyim, Hope Uzodinma, Chukwuma Soludo, and Rochas Okorocha.
“It is imperative to recognize that the most practicable political vehicle for the pursuit of the Igbo presidency lies within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Our communal ambition to secure the presidency for an individual of Igbo descent depends fundamentally upon forging strategic alliances and establishing a foundation of mutual trust with Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. This necessitates proactive consultations with pivotal geopolitical stakeholders to construct the necessary bridges for our aspirations.
“Following extensive consultations and dialogues, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in collaboration with Southeast political leaders, has reached a unanimous and resolute conclusion.
“It is politically imprudent and strategically detrimental for the collective interests of the Igbo people to field presidential candidates in the 2027 elections against the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The substantial resources and political machinery at the disposal of the current president present formidable obstacles that could substantially jeopardize our aspirations.
“Given these realities, we hereby affirm our unwavering support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, projecting that approximately 95% of Igbo votes will rally behind this cause. This endorsement transcends mere political strategy; it represents a calculated decision aimed at nurturing stability and fostering cooperation within the Nigerian political landscape.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly implores the Igbo populace to redirect our collective resilience and political energies towards the reconstruction of the Southeast economy. Our collective effort must focus on supporting the federal government’s ongoing initiatives to address infrastructural deficiencies, particularly the urgent need for the rehabilitation of critical road networks in our region. Moreover, it is imperative that we unite in combating insecurity, which threatens the safety of our communities and the trajectory of our collective progress.
“We take immense pride in the fact that the Igbo nation is endowed with remarkable leadership potential. Our region boasts a rich array of capable presidential aspirants, including Senator David Umahi, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Pius Anyim, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, among others. Each of these distinguished individuals possesses the requisite capabilities to catalyze transformative change in Nigeria’s fortunes and elevate our nation to a position of economic preeminence in Africa.
“Among this illustrious cadre, Senator David Umahi distinctly emerges as the most qualified contender for the Igbo presidency in 2035. His extensive record of achievements as a state governor, exemplary leadership as Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, and his dedicated service as a Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria uniquely position him to spearhead this essential endeavor.
“As we contemplate the future, it is anticipated that the rotation of power in Nigeria will revert to the Northern region subsequent to the conclusion of President Tinubu’s tenure in 2031.
“Consequently, the year 2035 represents a historic opportunity for the Southeast to produce the first Nigerian president of Igbo descent. We must seize this moment with unity, unwavering determination, and a steadfast commitment to our collective aspirations.
“In conclusion, we call upon all Ndigbo to wholeheartedly embrace this vision with open hearts and minds, as we chart a course toward a more promising future for our people and our nation”, it stated.
