On Igbo presidency in 2023

I am one of the admirers of the political neo-classism of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is great in understanding the niceties of Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of his human ability. Some patriots respect him for his result-oriented calculations and proving, to an extent, to being the political oracle in Nigeria since he left office as the President of Nigeria, against his will, on May 29, 2007.

Like the octopus, he predicted correctly who succeeded him in 2007. Four years later, precisely in 2011, he predicted correctly as against popular contenders for the first citizen. He ensured that his personal choice was again installed. But in 2015, probably seeing the hand-writing on the wall – being a student who believes in theological letter writing, he joined the ‘prophets of God’ who predicted correctly who became the President of Nigeria.

Obasanjo is a political block in Nigeria and a no-nonsense political gladiator in Africa. He has mastered the continental political art so much that from his Ota residence, he dishes out his political concerns/interest in words in forms of letter writing, press statements or even pamphlets to any political figure in Nigeria and beyond.

Of recent concern is his letter to President Buhari, dissuading reelection interest in 2019 and seeking for a coalition of political parties to ensure victory against the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) and the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Some political bigwigs including seven governors and twenty senators have reportedly signed on to this new coalition.

But my greatest worry is about the Igbo nation and its long thirst to taste the position of the president since the Biafra war, nearly 50 years now. On this note, I use this medium to sound a warning to my people. They must not be deceived by those trying to divert their target in 2023.

Although it is not good to put one’s eggs in one basket, the Igbo should have learnt their lesson and carefully study the past and present political underpin. They must not allow the political tide throw them far away into the deep sea again.

I must warn the Igbo to be very conscious of being distracted from the 2023 focus. Shine your eyes, my Igbo people. I rest my case.              

Muhammad Ajah

Abuja