An Ohanaeze Ndigbo chief, Dr. Valentine Iheukwumere Oparaocha, has called on Igbos across the country and in the diaspora to unite behind the 2023 Labor Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in his 2027 presidential bid.
Oparaocha, who spoke to journalists in Minna, said the time had come for Ndigbo to focus its collective energy on Obi’s political ambition rather than the separatist agitations led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his followers, which he described as unrealistic and potentially destructive.
While emphasizing that he does not oppose calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, Oparaocha maintained that no rational Igbo person who witnessed the horrors of the Nigerian Civil War would want to relive such an experience.
“Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu told us before his death that the war was over. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe also said it was over. Why do some people still drag us back to what is not possible?” asked.
The retired security expert, who once contested for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide against the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Ambassador George Obiozor, warned that anyone calling for war was “on their own”.
According to him, both the Aburi Agreement of 1966 and the Ahiara Declaration of 1969 are no longer relevant. He urged the agitators to abandon separatist activities which could only lead to chaos and renewed hostility against the Igbo nation.
Oparaocha insisted that Peter Obi’s candidacy offers a peaceful and credible path for the Igbo to negotiate justice and equity within the Nigerian federation.
“Peter Obi’s ambition to be president should be the main focus of Igbos and young Nigerians. It is tried and tested. His method is safe, his plans are good and we can trust him,” he said.
He warned against placing too much emphasis on the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration could be exploiting the issue to gain political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We cannot pursue too many things at the same time. President Tinubu can release Nnamdi Kanu on political grounds before 2027 because Kanu fits into his second term strategy,” he said.
Oparaocha also expressed concern over Kanu’s safety outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), saying the detained IPOB leader could be more vulnerable if released.
“Under the custody of the DSS, the MNK is safe and secure. Outside, anyone could attack them. I fear more for their lives outside than inside,” he added.
The former secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Niger State argued that Igbos must adopt strategic thinking and build alliances with other marginalized ethnic groups in Nigeria to achieve national leadership.
“Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups. The Igbos are not the only ones facing marginalization. We should reach out to others, especially northern Christians, and form a new majority,” he said.
He urged unity of purpose among the Igbos, citing biblical and historical examples to emphasize peace and political inclusion.
“We must move forward with Peter Obi for now. His ideas are sane. Peace is better than war. If Barack Obama could unite minorities in the United States to form a winning majority, we can do the same here,” Oparaocha said.
He recalled the words of the founding father of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who stood for national unity and integration, adding that “united we stand, divided we fall.”
He also cited former governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who recently said the 2027 elections would be “a contest between southerners”, probably between President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi.
“Whichever direction the pendulum swings, the Igbos must remain united,” Oparaocha concluded..