A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Valentine Iheukwumere Oparaocha, has urged Igbos at home and abroad to unite in support of Labour Party leader Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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Speaking with journalists in Minna, Oparaocha said Igbos should prioritise Obi’s political ambition over separatist movements led by Nnamdi Kanu, describing such agitations as unrealistic and harmful to the region’s progress.
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He noted that no rational Igbo person who experienced the Nigerian Civil War would wish to repeat such a tragedy. “Ojukwu told us the war is over. Azikiwe said it is over. Why should anyone drag us back into what is impossible?” he asked.
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The retired security expert, who once contested for the Ohanaeze presidency, warned that those calling for conflict were acting alone, saying both the Aburi Accord and Ahiara Declaration had lost relevance.
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According to him, Peter Obi offers a peaceful and credible path for the Igbos to achieve justice and equity within Nigeria. “Obi is tested and trusted. His methods are safe, his ideas are sound, and his leadership will benefit all Nigerians,” he said.
Oparaocha cautioned against focusing too heavily on Kanu’s detention, alleging that President Bola Tinubu’s administration might exploit the issue for political gain ahead of 2027. He also expressed concern for Kanu’s safety if released, claiming he could be more secure in DSS custody.
He called on Igbos to build alliances with other marginalised ethnic groups, particularly northern Christians, to create a new political majority. “The Igbos are not the only ones facing marginalisation. We must form partnerships to strengthen our voice,” he said.
Quoting Nnamdi Azikiwe and referencing Barack Obama’s coalition of minorities in the United States, Oparaocha urged unity and strategy. “Peace is better than war. If minorities in America could unite to win power, we can do the same here,” he added.
He concluded by echoing former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu’s recent comment that the 2027 election may be a contest between southerners, likely between President Tinubu and Peter Obi. “Whichever way it goes, the Igbos must stand together,” Oparaocha said.
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