The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, to gracefully retire from politics.
Ohanaeze has declared that Atiku’s lifelong dream of becoming the president of Nigeria has come to an end, and applauded the efforts of the Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors in stopping his ambition.
In a statement signed by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization stated that Atiku should step back from politics as he had disregarded the zoning formula during the last presidential election.
The statement also expressed appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, leader of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, and others who supported the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.
The statement reads, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Pa Ayo Adebanjo-led Afenifere, Dr Pogu Bitrus-led Middle Belt Forum, Pa Edwin-led Pan Niger Delta (PANDEF), and all others who stood firmly in support of Mr Peter Obi. Their unwavering commitment to the cause is commendable.
“Special appreciation is extended to the Nyesom Wike-led G5 Governors for their instrumental role in thwarting the ambitions of Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s lifelong ambition to become president has reached its conclusion.
“It is now the opportune moment for him to gracefully retire from active politics, recognizing that his age necessitates this sacrifice to salvage the PDP, which he externally damaged in 2015 by aligning with the APC to remove Jonathan and internally in 2023 by disregarding the zoning formula that favored the Southeast and the Igbo people.”
