2023: We Are Not Endorsing Tinubu For Presidential Race – Ohanaeze

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Friday, September 10th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the highest Igbo socio-cultural organization, has refuted claims that it endorsed the former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu for the 2023 presidential election in the country.

The group in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chika Temple, refuted reports describing Bola Tinubu as a protector of Ndigbo.

It could be recalled that Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Dim Uche Okwukwu had described Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the protector of Ndigbo who is needed to guide Nigerians in the right path of democracy.

According to Okwukwu, Tinubu was a fair leader who appointed Igbos into his cabinet when he governed Lagos State.

Reacting, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the release, stated that it has not endorsed Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election and it would not be fair if anybody from any section of Nigeria denies Igbos the opportunity to occupy the nation’s number one seat in 2023.

The group also highlighted the contributions of the former Lagos governor in deepening democracy in the nation but the former governor did not do much to advance the welfare of the igbos staying in Lagos in his reign.

Ohanaeze said: “We wish Ashiwaju of Yoruba land a quick recovery from London health trip, but, Ohanaeze will want to make it clear that we have not endorsed Tinubu or anybody for 2023 presidency, it will not be in the interest of the country to kick out Igbo nation from clinching the presidential seat, because, other regions in this country have taken their turns, natural justice demand that other ethnic nationalities must rally round the people of the southeast extraction to produce Buhari’s successor.

“Again, Ohanaeze doesn’t think that Nigerians will afford again to elect a sick president as seen in our current President’s earlie medical trips which nearly led this great nation into economic and political instability. So, as we wish him good health, and appreciate his contributions to nation-building, we want to also urge him to continue playing his advisory role, as his name will remain in history, on the quest of all Nigerians to use this current democratic governance towards achieving a greater Nigeria where justice, equity, fairness and peace will guide our daily activities, characters, policies and programs, and as well as our electoral process.

“It must be a mistake for anybody to assume that Bola Tinubu is the protector of the Igbos. Ndigbo will not be in a hurry to recall the eviction notice slammed on Igbos in Lagos by the Oba of Lagos that almost brought disaffection between our brothers and sisters and the host ethnic nationality in Lagos. What were the contributions or efforts of Tinubu then in calling the monarch to order over the unlawful eviction order.

“Ohanaeze reiterates unequivocally that Igbo nation must produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023 to ensure the stability and unification of the country. In as much as the constitution of this country guarantees citizen’s rights to vie for political position of choice, we insist that natural justice demands that Bola Tinubu and his likes should support presidential project of the southeast of Igbo bloc. There is no doubt, very and quite unfair that the Igbo nation had been completely cut off from the sensitive affairs and governance of Nigeria, which is the major factor that sprung up agitations across Igbo land and beyond.

“On the secessionist agitation, Ohanaeze maintains its stand that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu should be released unconditionally, followed with other pro-Biafra agitators incarcerated in the nation’s security formations across the country. They should be released and granted presidential amnesty, from there, the federal government, Igbo leaders, and the leadership of Kanu-led separatist organization, the IPOB will engage in dialogue to restore the lost peace and unity of Nigeria.”