Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization Sunday warned that politicians of Igbo extraction may not contest the 2027 general elections if there are no significant electoral reforms.
Ohaneze in a press release signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro the Deputy President General, expressed concerns on the current state of Nigeria’s electoral system, describing it as “fundamentally flawed” and susceptible to manipulation.
The organization emphasized that without comprehensive electoral reforms, opposition candidates face significant challenges in securing victory.
“We feel a profound moral obligation to convey a truth that is both bitter and essential.
“Without significant electoral reforms, it will be nearly impossible for any opposition candidates to mount a viable challenge against the incumbent President.”
The warning from Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlights the growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the need for reforms to ensure a fair and competitive electoral environment.
Isiguzoro in the statement further urged Ndigbo to concentrate more on fixing the challenges in Southeast than wasting their resources on a failed project.
“It is time to abandon this illusory pursuit and redirect their efforts toward collaborating with Igbo leadership to address the pressing challenges facing our region, including rampant insecurity and economic instability.
“While we acknowledge the constitutional rights of Igbo aspirants, it is crucial to convey this unvarnished truth: You cannot win the 2027 elections without electoral reform* Thus, it is both prudent and wise to focus on the immediate needs of the Southeast.
“The repercussions of supporting an Igbo candidate who lacks the capacity to effectively challenge Tinubu could be catastrophic for innocent Igbo traders and detrimental to Igbo investments across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos,” the statement reads in part.