Ohanaeze seeks to rekindle old alliance between Northern, Eastern regions

Following the Northern Elders Forum (NEF)’s regret for supporting Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised the Northern elders to revert to the old alliance between them and the old Eastern Region for a formidable partnership.

In a statement in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, yesterday, Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the North must heed the call with grace, as they had been the architects of their political misjudgments and blunders, adding that embracing the reality of realignment with the South East is imperative for the Northern region’s future prosperity.

Isiguzoro noted that the lamentation of Northern leaders within the first 11 months of Tinubu’s administration had not gone unnoticed by Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, pointing out that personalities such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano and other eminent religious and traditional leaders, raised poignant concerns about the prevalent sufferings, insecurity and poverty in the North.

He maintained that voices of discontent from socio-cultural organisations and political figures in the North highlighted deep-seated dissatisfaction with the present trajectory, adding that without rekindling the old traditional allegiance with the East, the North risks being ensnared by cunning politicians perpetuating a cycle of regrets that plagued the region since 1999.

The statement reads: “Ohanaeze issues a resounding call to Northern leaders to reflect on the historical missteps of their region from 1999 to 2023. This appeal is in response to the recent declaration by the leadership of NEF expressing regret over their choice of Tinubu in the 2023 elections.

“In the annals lay the poignant memories of the harmonious political alliances that once existed between the North and the East in the early 1960s. The partnership between the NPC and NCNC is a beacon of unity and collaboration that the North should consider revisiting for future elections.”

According to the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the regrettable choices made in past elections, as witnessed in Jos PDP 1998 Convention, the Northern choice of Olusegun Obasanjo over Alex Ekwueme, the 2015 choice of Muhammadu Buhari over Goodluck Jonathan, and in 2023 Tinubu over Peter Obi, underscore the need for strategic realignment to avert future remorse.

Ohanaeze added: “Ndigbo extends the olive branch to the Northern brethren, but the message remains clear. To pave the way for a prosperous future, returning to the table with the East is paramount. Though supporting Tinubu until 2027 may seem prudent, the North must look towards collaborative efforts with the East, their traditional allies for sustained stability.

“Let the hearts of Northern leaders and the minds of the North be open to historical reflections and alliances. The undulating paths of politics demand discernment and foresight to avoid the temptations and pitfalls of momentary choices.”