2023 Presidency: Ohanaeze Elders Council Makes Demand Known

Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has resolved to ensure Ndigbo produces the next president of Nigeria in 2023.

The council mandated Professor George Obiozor-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to begin close consultation with Igbo socio-cultural and political elite with a view to ensure that the presidency does not elude Igboland.

In a communique at the end of the meeting in Owerri at the weekend, the elder’s Council frowned at the sudden method adopted by some partisan leaders that zoning should be de-emphasised insisting that even if that would be done, “it will be after Ndigbo have taken their turn.”

Ohanaeze Elders’ Council Meeting Witnessed Low Turnout As Top Igbo Leaders Shun Meeting

The communiqué which was signed by the President-General Prof. George Obiozor and his Secretary-General, Amb Okey Emuchay, HRH Eze Cletus IIomuanya, HE Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, HE Senator T.heodore Orji, Archbishop Emmanuel hukwuma, Barr. Giddy Uwazuruike, High Chief Joel Kroham, Agbogidi Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, HE HRH Eze LOC Agubuzu, Gen Abel Obi Umah agreed that there is need for the different components of the Nigerian nations to come together and dialogue on its future.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is yet to decide on the zoning of its presidential ticket for the 2023 elections.

The Bala Mohammed-led committee on the review of the 2019 elections had recommended that the party should throw open the contest for its presidential ticket.

Ohanaeze Chieftain Demands Inquiry Into Ownership Of Oil Blocs

“We think that every Nigerian from every part of the country should be given the opportunity to choose the best candidate through a credible primary election as a way of institutionalising a merit-based leadership recruitment process for the country,” he had said.

But the committee’s recommendation had caused disagreement among some stakeholders who rejected the idea.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex Igbo socio-cultural, had asked for the withdrawal of the report, saying it is worrisome as the decision “will further inflame the passion of the patient but aggrieved part of the country”.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerians agreed on the rotation of the presidency between the north and the south; in which case it is the turn of the south after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari,” the group said.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Blasts PDP For Throwing 2023 Presidency Open

“For clarity purposes, both the southwest and the south south had both taken their turns in the persons of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan respectively. It is rather very unpatriotic and a trifle on the sensibilities of the Igbo for the committee to even suggest the rotation of the presidency to the North East in the first instance and open to every part of Nigeria as a major slight.”

Follow us on Facebook