NaijNaira
Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has ignited a fervent discourse with his recent assertion that the party is poised to back the South-East in actualizing its presidential aspirations. This pronouncement was delivered during a rally convened by LP affiliates from the South-East, in anticipation of the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections slated for next year.
Abure emphasized the imperative for the South-East to forge strategic alliances with other regions to fulfill its ambition of leading Nigeria.
Notably, the party’s 2023 presidential contender, Peter Obi, hails from this region. In the previous election, Obi secured a third-place finish, trailing Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched victory.
Reflecting on his pre-2023 election perceptions, Abure confessed, “I once harbored the misconception that the South-East lacked unity. However, campaigning alongside Peter Obi nationwide unveiled the Igbo’s unparalleled cohesion, industriousness, and valor.” He further articulated, “Our resolute decision to allocate the party’s presidential ticket to the South-East in 2023 stands vindicated. Yet, it’s imperative for the Igbos to reassess and cultivate deeper alignments with other national factions.” Abure reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ndigbo in their quest for national leadership.
This declaration rekindles the perennial advocacy for a South-Eastern presidency, a sentiment that gained momentum preceding the 2023 elections.
A Welcome Development: Upholding Zoning Conventions
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the APC and erstwhile Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), lauded Abure’s stance as a progressive stride. He underscored the autonomy of political entities to devise strategies conducive to electoral triumphs, expressing endorsement for those adhering to zoning conventions. In dialogue with DAILY POST, Okechukwu remarked, “Political parties must architect strategies to amass electoral support. The Labour Party’s approach is commendable. Within the APC, our objective is the incumbent President’s re-election. Each party, in its sagacity, pursues avenues to captivate the electorate.” He further critiqued the PDP’s 2023 missteps, suggesting that adherence to zoning might have bolstered their competitiveness. Okechukwu advocates for policies that not only secure votes but also honor rotational conventions, positing that such measures foster harmony, equity, and tranquility.
Peter Obi’s Grassroots Engagement: The Obidient Movement
Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, shed light on Peter Obi’s current endeavors to fortify grassroots connections. In conversation with DAILY POST, Yunusa conveyed, “Peter Obi is intensifying his rapport with the populace, championing governance that engenders national pride.” Addressing potential alliances beyond the Labour Party, he opined, “Time will unveil such prospects. Presently, his focus is on empathetic engagement—offering solace amidst sorrow, sharing in joy, and addressing pervasive security concerns.”
Call for Unified Zoning: Perspectives from Ohanaeze Leadership
Chuks Ibegbu, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, posited that all political factions should allocate their presidential nominations to the South-East. He admonished Abure against perpetuating tribalistic leadership paradigms, advocating for a merit-based approach. Ibegbu emphasized, “Nigeria must transcend sectional leadership mentalities. The fixation on ethnic origins has stymied our progress.” He acknowledged the South-East’s historical political marginalization but cautioned against reducing the discourse to a singular party’s agenda. Ibegbu challenged major parties like the APC and PDP to demonstrate commitment to political equity by endorsing South-Eastern candidates. He lamented past injustices, citing figures like Ogbonnia Onu as emblematic of systemic inequities. Ibegbu contended that achieving national cohesion necessitates collective action from all political entities to rectify historical imbalances.
He further critiqued current leadership decisions, such as the abrupt subsidy removal by President Tinubu, attributing resultant economic hardships to a lack of comprehensive planning. Ibegbu urged a departure from tribalistic politics, warning that such divisions have precipitated turmoil in nations like Congo. He called for a unified front to harness Nigeria’s abundant resources for collective prosperity, cautioning against political subterfuge that exploits ethnic sentiments. Ibegbu concluded by urging Abure to eschew divisive rhetoric, advocating instead for a concerted, cross-party initiative to establish political justice, thereby alleviating national suffering.
