A socio-political youth group, Omenuko Ndigbo United, has criticised the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, accusing him of sidelining the collective interest of the Igbo people in ongoing efforts to build a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Owerri, Imo State capital on Thursday and signed by its President, Comrade Benjamin Madu, the group expressed disappointment over what it described as Obi’s “lukewarm attitude” towards the coalition of opposition forces working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are not happy with Peter Obi. Instead of joining hands with others to rescue Nigeria, he seems to be focused only on himself. This is not the time for selfish politics,” the group said.
The group alleged that Obi’s current posture mirrors his approach during the 2023 elections, which they claimed contributed to the fragmentation of the opposition and ultimately aided the APC’s electoral victory.
According to Omenuko Ndigbo United, the upcoming 2027 elections represent a critical moment for the South-East, especially the Igbo ethnic group, to push for national leadership. However, that goal may be jeopardised if the opposition fails to present a united front.
“The current president is from the South. This is the best time for Ndigbo to push for the presidency. But we need unity. If Obi leaves the coalition, it will be harder for an Igbo person to become president in 2027 or even in 2031,” the statement read.
The group also expressed concern over Obi’s perceived aloofness from coalition activities, describing it as “suspicious” and raising fears that he might covertly align with the ruling APC.
“Obi is not fully part of the plans, and it’s starting to look like he is playing another game. We need to know what he really wants,” they said.
Referencing recent public criticisms of Obi by known APC sympathisers such as Reno Omokri, the group suggested that a familiar pattern of political distraction may be repeating itself. They also cited investigative journalist David Hundeyin, who warned opposition figures against the divisive tactics that marred their chances in the 2023 elections.
The youth group concluded by calling on Peter Obi to clarify his position regarding the opposition coalition, urging him to prioritise national unity and Igbo advancement over personal ambition.
“Nigerians deserve honesty. Peter Obi should stop pretending and tell us where he stands. We will not allow what happened in 2023 to happen again, especially if it will hurt the Igbo cause,” the statement concluded.
