Special Angle

IT IS TIME FOR NDI IGBO TO RETHINK THEIR POLITICAL FUTURE.

Just as Pharaoh was told, "Let my people go," it is time to say: Atiku, let my people go.

For too long, our people have been treated as a means to an end. We are remembered when votes are needed and forgotten when decisions are made. Our support is sought to advance the ambitions of others, yet our aspirations and interests remain neglected.

Ndi Igbo must begin to prioritize their own collective interests, unity, and political advancement. The time has come to support partnerships built on mutual respect, fairness, and genuine inclusion—not mere political convenience.

Igbo's be wise.

The issue of Atiku Abubakar's relentless pursuit of the presidency significantly undermined the Southeast's opportunity to secure the PDP presidential ticket, despite over sixteen years of unwavering support from the people of the Southeast for the PDP.

Bola Tinubu emerged as President under the APC. I have no issue with the APC choosing not to give the Southeast an opportunity in 2023. My concern has always been with individuals such as Dave Umahi and others who repeatedly urged Ndigbo to support Muhammadu Buhari, claiming it was the pathway to an Igbo presidency. Those promises turned out to be the same old political rhetoric. In the same way, it is difficult to believe that Atiku would have genuinely created an opportunity for an Igbo presidency after contributing to the erosion of our chances.

It is also inaccurate to suggest that Atiku brought Peter Obi into prominence. Peter Obi was already a respected two-term Governor of Anambra State with a well-established reputation before becoming Atiku's running mate in 2019. If anything, Atiku benefited from Obi's credibility, integrity, and popularity in his attempt to strengthen his presidential bid. It is Atiku who should be grateful for that partnership.

I strongly disagree with many of Tinubu's policies and believe his administration has worsened Nigeria's economic challenges. He was neither my preferred candidate nor someone I actively support. However, between Tinubu and Atiku, I maintain that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the interest of fairness and political balance. If power were to shift to the North, it should not be through Atiku, whose political record and leadership capacity raise concerns similar to those often attributed to Tinubu.

My support remains firmly with Peter Obi because he offers practical solutions to Nigeria's current challenges. Obi is not a magician, nor does anyone expect instant miracles. However, Nigeria urgently needs a leader capable of reducing the cost of governance, promoting accountability, and ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of the public. In my view, Peter Obi possesses those qualities and has demonstrated the discipline required to deliver meaningful reforms.

Atiku's lifestyle and political history do not inspire confidence in his ability to manage a struggling economy. Nigeria requires prudent management of scarce resources, not extravagant leadership disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens.

Furthermore, Atiku's political judgment and consistency have repeatedly been called into question. Even members of his own political circle and family (SON) have publicly distanced themselves from him, raising concerns about confidence in his leadership and sincerity.

For years, Atiku repeatedly presented himself to the Southeast as a bridge to an eventual Igbo presidency. In 2022, he publicly suggested that he would only step aside if the PDP zoned its presidential ticket to the Southeast. Yet many viewed this position as political manoeuvering rather than genuine commitment, especially given the realities within the party. The Southeast was once again used as a bargaining tool in internal political calculations.

At the time, many blamed Nyesom Wike for the crisis within the PDP. However, if Atiku was truly committed to the principle of equity and justice, why did he not support efforts within the coalition movement under the ADC to zone the presidential ticket to the Southeast?

Questions about Atiku's consistency have also arisen from previous incidents, including his decision to delete statements concerning the killing of Deborah after backlash from certain quarters. To many, this reinforced the perception that political convenience often outweighs principle in his decision-making.

Over the years, Atiku has demonstrated a tendency to adjust his positions, rhetoric, and political alliances according to changing circumstances. This has earned him the reputation of a political chameleon—someone whose convictions appear to shift with the political season.

Given these concerns, I do not believe he represents the kind of leadership Nigeria needs at this critical moment.

For me, the choice remains clear: if not Peter Obi, then Tinubu should be allowed to complete his constitutionally permitted eight years, after which power can once again rotate in accordance with the principles of equity and national balance.

SAY NO TO ATIKU.