Igbo leaders under various partisan and non-partisan groups have openly endorsed the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi, the candidates of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party in next yearâs presidential election.
The endorsement is a boost for Atiku who bids to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari.
The leaders from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo Leaders of Thought, the political elite, the intelligentsia, women groups amongst others premised their endorsement on Atikuâs promise of restructuring.
A communiqué read on behalf of Ndigbo by Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) after a consultative meeting between Atiku, Obi and the Igbo leaders in Enugu Wednesday announced the development.
âThe Igbo people of Nigeria held a one day non-partisan and inclusive summit, convened by elders, traditional and religious leaders on November 14 2018, to consider Ndigboâs place in the polity, especially in the light of the forthcoming 2019 elections.
âThe summit deliberated on the state on Ndigbo in Nigeria today, especially after years of exclusion from the centre. This country has never been so divided as it is today. We, Igbo, have always yearned for a level playing field with justice, equity and fairness.
âThe summit recognised the nomination of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State as the vice presidential candidate of the PDP and fully endorse this nomination. It was acknowledged that this nomination puts Ndigbo back to the centre of governance. It is therefore important that Ndigbo should rally behind the Atiku/Obi ticket.
âWe identify with Atiku/ Obi ticket on the restructuring agenda as has been reiterated by the four zones of the country, namely South-South, South west, North central and South east. We believe that as long as the federating units remain weak, the centre will continue to be weak. We equally move to appreciate the position of the Atiku/Obi ticket in promoting national unity.
âIn conclusion, the summit reiterated that the time is now for Ndigbo to mobilise and organise effectively, realise the Atiku/Obi ticket. We are not campaigning against anybody, we are simply campaigning for our very survival. Igbo votes must count wherever they leave in Nigeria,â the communiquĂ© said.
