The Njiko Igbo Forum, a 27-year-old socio-political group affiliated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has formally declared its support for former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, to emerge as President of Nigeria in 2027.
This was based on an extraordinary meeting of its National Advisory Board and NEC held in July and reconvened in Lagos on September 8, the group said it was time for justice, equity, and fairness to prevail in Nigeria’s political arrangements.
Conveying this on behalf of the group, on Monday the Leader of Njiko Igbo Forum, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, insisted that the Southeast should produce the next President when power returns to the South.
He said, “Since 1999, the Presidency has rotated between North and South, and across geo-political zones. It is justice, equity, and fairness that the Igbo—the Southeast zone—be given the chance to produce the President in 2027, before the North takes its turn again in 2031.”
The Forum also announced plans to embark on strategic consultations across Nigeria’s five geo-political zones to build alliances ahead of 2027.
“We understand that no single zone can produce the President of Nigeria without collaboration, cooperation, and agreement of others. That is why we will engage in handshakes across the Niger, Middle Belt, North East, and North West,” Obioha added.
While noting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as a socio-cultural body, cannot officially endorse any candidate, Obioha stressed that Njiko Igbo Forum was well within its mandate to do so.
“Ohanaeze cannot clearly pronounce support for any candidate, but Njiko Igbo Forum can. We want the Southeast to be given a chance, and in so doing, Mr. Peter Obi should become the elected President of Nigeria in 2027,” he declared.
The Forum further commended Afenifere, describing the Yoruba socio-political organisation as a trusted ally in the struggle for justice and fairness.
“Afenifere has stood for justice, equity, and fairness for over fifty years. Njiko Igbo Forum is committed to working with them and other ethnic nationalities to build a greater Nigeria,” Obioha said.
