12th May, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the subversive plots to sack President Bola Tinubu from getting a second term in 2027 by some Igbo people led by a serving governor.
Ohanaeze, in a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General, on Sunday Professor Obasi Igwe, Dr. Harford Ugwu and Professor Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe had exhibited unwavering courage in unveiling the hidden agendas and clandestine political machinations of the so-called “Ohanaeze Reconciliation Committee.”
The body said this committee, established in December 2023 with an office in Abuja, had been unmasked for its ulterior motive: to advance the 2027 Vice Presidential ambition of a Southeast Governor.
“The clandestine activities of this committee aim to ally with the Igbo and Fulani leaders to position a Southeast Governor as the running mate to a Northern presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. This strategic move seeks to exploit Northern discontent with the Federal Government to oppose President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
“Despite facing setbacks exposed by leaked audio recordings, the civil intrigues to unseat President Tinubu persist, with financial backing provided by the Southeast Governor. This subversive effort involves leveraging a faction of misguided Igbo Elders to engage with Northern counterparts, Fulani leaders, and Northern Monarchs,” Ohanaeze said.
According to Ohanaeze, the proponents of the Southeast Governor had resorted to deceptive tactics, baseless accusations, and alarmist strategies to obfuscate the truth behind the failed Ohanaeze Ndigbo Reconciliation Committee.
The group said following their negotiation with Northern stakeholders in Adamawa, Kaduna and Bauchi between January and April 2024, discussions concerning a Northern Presidency and Southeast Vice Presidency for 2027 emerged.
“A pre-condition was set for the Igbo delegation’s presence at all their meeting was an apology from Igbo leadership for the events of the 1966 coup.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally refutes the frivolous accusations directed at Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as groundless, malicious, and untruthful. No monetary demands for any medical trip were made to Chief Iwuanyanwu by Isiguzoro. We challenge Chief Iwuanyanwu to substantiate any claims he makes. Isiguzoro, along with Professor Obasi, Professor.
“Nwankwo Nwezeigwe, and other dedicated individuals, will not be deterred by ongoing threats, intimidation, or false media propaganda,” the statement said.
“Recent events highlight the urgency of safeguarding Ohanaeze Ndigbo from being co-opted for the 2027 Vice Presidential aspirations of the Southeast Governor. Attempts to extend the President General’s tenure from Imo State and deprive Rivers State of the rightful opportunity to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo must be scrutinized and resisted by Ndigbo,” the group added.
“The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns any threats to the lives of its members. Despite facing threats from certain factions, truth and transparency must prevail.
“It is crucial to recognize the failings of past Igbo leadership and the consequences of complacency in positions of authority. The security concerns and targeted incidents in our leadership ranks, exemplified by the 2018 targeted alleged bombing of former President General Nnia Nwodo’s residence, in which Nigerian Police arrested and paraded the suspects in June 2018, underscores the necessity for solidarity, vigilance, and accountability within our region.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo vows to uphold its core values of transparency, integrity, and unity in the face of political subterfuge. We call upon all Ndigbo and well-meaning Nigerians to stand together to safeguard our collective future from divisive forces seeking to manipulate our destiny. It is only through collaboration, honesty, and a firm dedication to the truth that we can navigate the challenges that lie ahead,” the statement said.