By Akpelu Azunna E. Ph.D
My attention has been drawn to media reports suggesting that there is a written agreement for His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, to serve only one term of four years if elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2027 general election.
As the President General of Ogbako Ndígbo Nile Worldwide, ONN, I wish to state that I cannot speak on behalf of every Igbo individual or every Igbo organisation concerning any reported political agreement. Such an agreement, if it exists, remains a matter for the political parties and the individuals directly involved.
However, I can confidently speak on behalf of Ogbako Ndígbo Nile Worldwide.
Our position has always been clear and consistent: what Ndígbo seek is not the perpetual occupation of Nigeria’s leadership, but the emergence of a Nigeria that truly works for every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, religion or region.
The aspiration of the Igbo people is founded on justice, equity, fairness, competence and national development, not on selfish political domination. We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic background, should enjoy equal opportunities to contribute to national leadership.
If indeed a single tenure of four years is considered necessary in the interest of national unity and confidence building, many patriotic Igbo people would consider such an opportunity sufficient to demonstrate that transformational leadership is possible in Nigeria.
I strongly believe that His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, alongside many other experienced, competent and patriotic Igbo sons and daughters, possesses the capacity, integrity, discipline and administrative experience required to reposition Nigeria within a single four-year tenure if given the opportunity.
Nigeria’s challenges today are not caused by the ethnicity of those who govern but by the quality of governance itself. What Nigeria urgently requires is visionary leadership that will:
.Restore security and protect lives and property.
.Revive the economy and create sustainable employment.
.Strengthen the value of the Naira.
.Fight corruption through transparent institutions.
.Improve education, healthcare and infrastructure.
.Promote industrialsation and support local production.
.Guarantee justice, equity and the rule of law.
.Unite Nigerians beyond ethnic, religious and political divisions.
The Presidency should never be viewed as the exclusive inheritance of any particular region. Rather, it should remain a national responsibility entrusted to the most competent, credible and visionary Nigerian available at any given time.
For decades, the Igbo have remained one of Nigeria’s strongest contributors to commerce, industry, education, technology, entrepreneurship and national development. Across every region of Nigeria, Igbo men and women have invested heavily, created employment, paid taxes and contributed immensely to national growth. They have demonstrated resilience, patriotism and commitment to the unity and progress of our country.
Giving a qualified Igbo son or daughter the opportunity to lead Nigeria is therefore not a favour but an affirmation of the constitutional principle that every Nigerian deserves equal opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level*.
I therefore appeal to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments and embrace the politics of competence, integrity, accountability and national renewal. Let us elect leaders based on character, vision, capacity and proven performance rather than where they come from.
History has shown that nations progress when they entrust leadership to capable hands. Nigeria can do the same.
The time has come for all Nigerians to support a leadership that will restore hope, rebuild confidence in our institutions, strengthen our economy and reposition Nigeria among the leading nations of the world.
At Ogbako Ndígbo Nile Worldwide, we remain committed to a united, peaceful, equitable and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has a sense of belonging and every region is given a fair opportunity to contribute to national leadership and development.
Amb. Dr. Akpelu Azunna E., Ph.D., FIPMD, FONN
President General
Ogbako Ndígbo Nile Worldwide, ONN
