2027: ‘Why the north holds key to Nigeria’s unity’

Leader of the Obidient Movement in South East, Dr Ezeh Emmnauel Ezeh, has said that voters in the northern part of Nigeria hold the key to the country’s unity, stability and economic progress during the 2027 general elections. He noted that last Saturday’s by-election in some constituencies across the six geopolitical zones showed that non-performing […]

Leader of the Obidient Movement in South East, Dr Ezeh Emmnauel Ezeh, has said that voters in the northern part of Nigeria hold the key to the country’s unity, stability and economic progress during the 2027 general elections.

He noted that last Saturday’s by-election in some constituencies across the six geopolitical zones showed that non-performing incumbents governors have become very apprehensive of the possible voter-revolt against them.

Ezeh, who spoke to journalists against the background of heavy monetisation of voting, intimidation and violence, said Nigerians should resolve to speak with one voice in 2027, adding that voter apathy helps rigging.

He stated that the by-election also revealed why patriotic members of the country’s opposition, especially the coalition group, should come together to confront the electoral bandits that are terrorising Nigerians and fighting against democracy.

He argued that while the masses are being terrified by harsh economic realities, some desperate politicians are busy calculating how political power could favour them instead of joining hands to rescue the country from those who want to capture the nation as their private estate.

Ezeh, who participated in the National Assembly election of 2023, regretted that election stealing, voter intimidation and inducement are gradually becoming the standard operating procedure of the party in power, stressing that this should give patriotic opposition politicians reason to gird their loins.

He maintained that a Peter Obi Presidency holds the most plausible and feasible strategy to reclaim Nigeria from buccaneers and electoral saboteurs, stressing that the single term offer of Mr Peter Obi is out of due cognisance of the power rotation principle for national stability and progress.

“Those kicking against Peter Obi’s offer to serve for just one term do not know that they are falling for the antics of the powers that be. The ultimate residence of popular mandate is the electorate. Since voters can only cast their ballots for candidates on the ballot, the offer to do one term means that other candidates would offer themselves.

“Also, if the people have the power to vote out a candidate, including an incumbent, why should the offer to do one term become a subject of political distraction? Or, are those attacking Peter Obi trying to tell us that even non-performing incumbents cannot be voted out?” he stated.

Ezeh lamented that the noise coming from some members of the opposition coalition gives the sad impression that they could be wittingly or unwittingly working for the party in power, adding that Nigerians should be guided to see the many failings of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Dr Ezeh emphasized that only a united opposition from the grassroots can oust APC reign of terror, noting: “Contracts have been and are being awarded without competitive bidding in flagrant breach of due process. Huge sums of money have been allocated to projects arbitrarily with the connivance of a complicit National Assembly leadership.

“Corruption, which was the basis of sacking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in 2015, is being nursed with the national cake. Some people are busy amassing illicit funds to assist them to buy votes in 2027.

“The constitution is being raped serially, both in the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the one-sided appointments into federal agencies. The President continues to travel outside his jurisdiction for prolonged period of time without handing over to his deputy. Are all these developments normal? Why are Nigerians not talking about them, instead of quarreling over Peter Obi’s determination to instill integrity into public office?”

The Obidient Leader therefore called on northern political leaders to queue behind Peter Obi so that the journey to Nigeria’s healing and shared prosperity could begin in 2027, adding that the north should uphold the truth about inclusivity, fairness and equity.

According to Ezeh, Nigerians should be bold to demand electoral reforms and insist that the government must uphold the constitution assuring that transparent elections would put an end to the rent-taking politics being propagated by the party in power and desperate old politicians.