Power To The East : What Ndi Igbo Need -By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

The question of an Igbo presidency in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been asked in our national discourse and will ultimately be determined by the political landscape and the will of the Nigerian people.

Ndi Igbo, like any other ethnic group in Nigeria, have the right to aspire to hold the highest office in the land, but it is important for Ndi Igbo to work towards this goal in a way that is inclusive, fair, and respectful of the rights and aspirations of other ethnic groups and regions in the country.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, the Ndi Igbo seem to be groping in the dark. The current political leaders from the East seem to be divided, selfish and OPPORTUNISTIC. This was not the case some years back.

During the days of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Michael Okpara, two prominent Igbo leaders in Nigeria’s political history, the Igbo community was more politically organized and united. Azikiwe, known as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” was a leading figure in the fight for independence and served as the first Governor-General and later the first President of Nigeria. He was a very articulate NATIONALIST and a potent force in the achievement of our independence.

In fact, the end of world war 2 stimulated awakening in nations, in that ideas of self -determination started to grow among them. Unfortunately, the leadership in Nigeria was ineffective. The leaders could not unite to fight the colonial administration. In came the Zikist movement-a group of young men who adored Azikiwe- whose spirit could not be tamed- thirsting for action and the desire to open a new political history in the country. The rest as they say is history. These were the kind of political leaders Ndi Igbo had!

Okpara was also a prominent political leader and served as the Premier of Eastern Nigeria.

Both Azikiwe and Okpara were able to mobilize the Igbo community to support their political agendas and achieve significant political gains for the region. They were able to secure key political positions and push for policies that benefited the Igbo people.

Power they say, is not served a la carte, meaning that it is not given or obtained easily or on demand. In a democratic society, political power is obtained through a competitive and often complex process that involves winning the support of voters through campaigning, building alliances and coalitions.

Obtaining political power also requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It is important for political leaders and parties especially in Igbo land to be strategic and tactical in their approach, and to be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices and compromises (for the good of the country).

It’s also important to remember that political power is not an end in itself, but a means to an end – the end being to serve the citizens and the country.

It is important to acknowledge the past, but it is also crucial to look forward and focus on finding solutions and working towards a better future for the whole country. It’s important to strive for progress, not dwelling in the past.

Ndi Igbo need to start working towards building a strong and unified political party, building bridges and alliances with other political parties and groups, investing in grassroots mobilization, promoting strong and capable leaders, and emphasizing policies and platforms that promote unity, inclusivity, and fairness for all citizens.

Building bridges and fostering positive relationships across different groups and regions is important for any political candidate or party that hopes to gain the support of a diverse and divided electorate. This can include reaching out to other ethnic groups and working to address the concerns and issues of citizens from all regions.

The Presidency won’t come to Ndi Igbo on a platter- the support of other regions and groups across the country is sacrosanct and thus It is not appropriate or ethical to try to “railroad” oneself to power by guilt tripping other regions or groups-Such tactics would likely harm relationships and trust and would ultimately be detrimental. Insulting or denigrating other ethnic groups and religions is not an appropriate or effective way for Ndi Igbo to gain support or increase the chances of an Igbo President.

It is time Ndi Igbo started to emphasize on the importance of unity and national interest, instead of focusing on ethnicity alone- this will be a key to gaining support from diverse groups of people across Nigeria.

As stated before, it is important that Ndi Igbo work towards building a strong and unified political party as well as presenting leaders in the mould of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari who have been seen as strong leaders who have been able to mobilize support for the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani communities respectively.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is a political party in Nigeria that has traditionally been popular among the Igbo people. Building and strengthening this party as a regional party is surely a path for Ndi Igbo to have a stronger political representation.

Additionally, it is also important for the party to work towards building bridges and alliances with other political parties and groups across the country while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, the future of an Igbo presidency in Nigeria will depend on the political landscape, the will of the Nigerian people, and the actions of Ndi Igbo and its leaders.

Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com