Two factions of the Igbo apex socio-cultural and political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is complicating the unity of the zone over the 2023 elections, especially as it regards to the presidency and the South East positon on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
A faction of the group led by Professor George Obiozor has congratulated the running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
Another faction of the group, led by Chief Chidi Ibeh had on Thursday blasted the PDP for the emergence Governor Okowa as the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, describing it “serial betrayal” of the South East by the PDP.
Part of the statement released by the Chief Chidi Ibeh faction through the Secretary Genera, Okechukwu Isiguzoro reads:
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide has described the nomination of Delta State Governor as the PDP running mate to Atiku Abubakar as a chaotic selection for a party not ready to win the 2023 elections.
“The reward for a serial betrayal whose inescapable actions will never add national integrity and value to the progress of PDP in 2023, Ifeanyi Okowa is a minus for Atiku, as his choice will decline PDP’s fortunes in Delta and Southern Nigeria, a man who misled the Southern Governors’ agenda will never be trusted for the votes of Ndigbo, Igbos will never vote Atiku and Okowa.
”Southeast knows the political directions to go in 2023, but certainly not the PDP. Atiku is satisfied with a serial betrayal because of birds of the same feather flocks together, this is the height of insincerity and deception which will rebound in the 2023 elections, we will teach PDP the language they need to understand in the 2023 polls.
“No Igbo political decisions have been made so far on the 2023 election but at the appropriate time, Ndigbo will decide the political direction to go but not the PDP, for shunning the southeast, Atiku will face the consequences of his actions.”
On the contrary, in a new statement by signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Professor George Obiozor led faction, Dr Alex Ogbonnia and titled “Ohanaeze Ndigbo congratulates Okowa as vice-presidential candidate”, which was released on Friday the group directly contradicted the earlier position of the opposition faction.
The statement reads in part, “the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide heartily congratulates an Igbo prodigy; an astute administrator, sagacious politician, brilliant physician, creative visionary, prudent resource manager, detribalized patriot, purveyor of morals and a poster personality, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State as he secures the highly coveted Vice Presidential candidacy of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has watched with keen interest and admiration the phenomenal trajectory of an University of Ibadan trained medical doctor from the Secretary to Ika North East Local Government; Chairman, Ika North East Local Government; Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources; Commissioner for Water Resources Development; Commissioner for Health; Secretary to the Delta State Government; Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; ECOWAS Parliamentarian; Governor of Delta State and today the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
“Available records indicate that from birth, God endowed Okowa with a special grace. It is only grace that explains the mystery behind the profound achievements by a few in various areas of life which paradoxically present enormous challenges to many others. Perhaps, this explains why Okowa ennobled the various offices he held with remarkable skill, exceptional diligence, elegance and panache.
“The life of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa is a veritable tribute to humility, sincerity, simplicity, hard work, perseverance and centrality of morals in the dynamics of power. As a governor, Okowa had a clear vision, which he pursued with incandescent passion, valour, candour, honour and unassailable accomplishments.
“Above all other enviable attributes, Okowa resonates as a team player, diverse ethnic manager with a friendly finesse and character comeliness. He is one of the few who has sustained in government without the elixir and grandeur delusion that has become the characteristics of many in positions of authority.
“On the other hand, Okowa has served both as sub-ordinate, co-ordinate and super-ordinate to several persons without skirmishes. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is a quintessential gentleman.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worlwide led by Ambassador Professor George Obiozor is very proud of you. We are optimistic that your candidacy will add enormous electoral value to your political party, the PDP.”
These two contradicting positions of the two factions of the Ohaneze Ndigbo puts the South East zone at a very blurred crossroad in the current political dispensation.
This inability to forge a common front by the Igbos could possibly leave them out in the cold once again in the next government, and may further deepen the marginalization of the zone in the scheme of things in Nigeria.
