Obi negotiated for himself not Ndigbo — Presidency Aide

By Precious Mark

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, has accused the 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of pursuing personal ambition in alleged coalition talks with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Nkwocha said reports of a single-term, four-year arrangement between Obi and Kwankwaso in exchange for northern support had reduced the South-East’s long-standing quest for the presidency to a career bargain.

“If the reports are true, and Obi has indeed accepted or considered a single-term arrangement in exchange for Northern support, then the matter goes beyond personal ambition. It touches the deeper issue of political representation, perceived political marginalisation, and the seriousness with which the South-East approaches its long quest for the presidency,” Nkwocha stated.

The presidential aide said public scrutiny of Obi’s recent media engagements had exposed inconsistencies in a political brand built on moral superiority and data-driven governance.

“Politicians who project that image must be ready for higher standards of accountability when their public assertions are tested,” he added.

Nkwocha recalled decades of exclusion experienced by the South-East since 1979, citing attempts by the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, and Chief Rochas Okorocha to reach the presidency.

He questioned whether Obi had consulted widely with traditional, political, business, and intellectual stakeholders in the South-East before entering agreements that could affect the region’s demand for full political inclusion.

Nkwocha noted that after eight years of northern leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari, power returned to the South in 2023 with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“With President Tinubu currently serving his first term, southern political strategy requires patience, structure, and durable nationwide alliances rather than hurried, emotional bargains,” he said.

While describing an Igbo presidency as legitimate and desirable, Nkwocha argued it cannot be achieved through political shortcuts or isolation from major geopolitical blocs.

He advised Obi to support the completion of the South’s turn in 2027 and work with other Igbo leaders to build a stronger foundation for future bids.

“The South-East has waited too long for its presidential ambition to be reduced to a personal experiment. Obi owes Ndigbo clarity on whether this pact serves our collective future or his personal career path,” Nkwocha concluded.