The Convener of South East Patriots, Obunike Ohaegbu, has declared that the Southeast region is prepared to support either Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election, provided both politicians agree to work together in a unified opposition coalition.
Speaking in an interview with AIT News from 33:19, Ohaegbu emphasized the need for ego management and strategic collaboration to prevent the ruling APC from controlling political narratives.
Ohaegbu highlighted the shared experience of presidential exclusion between the Southeast and Northeast regions since Nigeria’s civil war ended. “The Southeast has not produced a president since the end of the civil war. The Northeast has not produced a president since the end of the civil war. And one of them calls the other person his boss,” he stated, referencing the political dynamics between Obi and Atiku.
Ohaegbu identified personal ambitions as the primary obstacle to effective opposition unity. “So, the ego and the ambitions of Peter Obi and Atiku have to be moderated,” he stated bluntly, calling for both leaders to prioritize collective success over individual aspirations.
The Southeast Patriots leader outlined his organization’s willingness to accept various ticket configurations involving the two prominent opposition figures. “The Southeast Patriots believe that once everybody from the opposition meets together, they must agree, and as a matter of fact, let all the opposition get into one place, agree on one candidate,” he explained.
Ohaegbu detailed specific scenarios his organization would support, emphasizing flexibility in leadership arrangements. “If Atiku decides that he will be a running mate to Peter Obi after serving as vice president for 8 years and the constitution allows that, those of us in the Southeast will allow that,” he stated.
He expressed equal willingness to support the reverse arrangement. “If Peter Obi allows Atiku to be the principal and he will be the running mate, those of us in the Southeast will also accept,” Ohaegbu declared.
The convener argued against allowing individual politicians to make unilateral decisions about opposition strategy. “The Southeast Patriots does not believe that the individuals in person of Atiku and Obi should take the decision,” he stated, advocating for broader stakeholder involvement in coalition building.
Ohaegbu emphasized the necessity of reaching comprehensive agreements that would unify all opposition forces ahead of the 2027 election. He noted that such unity must be achieved for the opposition to present a credible alternative to the ruling party.
The convener emphasized the importance of public perception in opposition coalition building. According to him, Nigerians should be able to look at the opposition’s choice and recognize that they have made the right strategic decision.
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