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It is time to stop using the phrase “Southern candidate” as a smokescreen to mislead the rest of Southern Nigeria. The South is not naïve. The people are politically aware and discerning.
Let’s be clear: Atiku Abubakar’s time has not passed. The dream of an Igbo presidency still matters. But here’s the uncomfortable truth under the APC, the road to an Igbo presidency is long, uncertain, and likely impossible.
Why waste valuable time chasing shadows?
APC Pathway
If the APC retains power in 2027, the next opportunity for a Southern presidency may not come until 2039 as the presidency will return to the North in 2031 until 2039 when it would come to the South. And even then, there is no assurance it will go to the South-East in 2039. The presidency will almost certainly return to a different part Nigeria as usual. And who’s to say that, in 2039, the Igbos will be given a real chance? History offers no such guarantees.
Let’s face facts: the APC has not shown the will or the vision to produce transformational leadership. Nigerians have seen it. They know it.
Atiku Pathway
Now consider this alternative the Atiku pathway. It is, without a doubt, the most realistic and strategic route for the Igbos to clinch the presidency in the shortest possible time.
Here are the options:
Option 1: In just two years, by working strategically with Atiku, Peter Obi could become President in 2027.
Option 2: Peter Obi could serve as Vice President under Atiku in 2027. Atiku would serve one term, then step aside in 2031, giving Obi a strong chance to run—and win an 8-year presidency.
Option 3: Even if Atiku chooses to serve for 8 years, he could support Peter Obi to take over in 2035 and serve for 8 years.
The conclusion is clear:
1. Under APC, the Igbos would have to wait at least 12 more years from 2027 to even hope for a presidency and even that is uncertain.
2. Under Atiku, it could take as little as 4 to 8 years—and it’s realistic.
And here’s a sobering reminder: no Igbo has held the office of President or Vice President of Nigeria since 1999. Not once.
It’s time for the Igbos and indeed all Nigerians to think strategically. The best shot at an Igbo presidency is not through empty promises, but through a clear political alliance. Let us not waste another political cycle.
The time to decide is now.
@Joe Okonkwo K.
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