Obi, Umahi feud: Prioritise infrastructure over 2027, Ohanaeze tells Ndigbo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged Ndigbo to prioritise the completion of federal infrastructure projects in the South-east while pursuing the aspiration for an Igbo presidency as a long-term national political project.

The organisation made the call while wading into the ongoing disagreement between former Anambra state governor and 2027 presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, and Minister of Works, David Umahi, urging both leaders to sheathe their swords and place the collective interests of Ndigbo above political differences.

In a statement signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Wednesday, Ohanaeze said its position was guided by the Igbo philosophy of “Nkemjika” — the wisdom of valuing what is within reach while patiently pursuing what remains beyond immediate grasp.

According to the organisation, while the aspiration to produce Nigeria’s first Executive President of Igbo extraction remained legitimate, Ndigbo should not sacrifice tangible infrastructure that could transform the region immediately for a presidential objective whose realisation required broader national consensus.

Ohanaeze said completed federal highways and bridges would immediately benefit traders, farmers, manufacturers, transporters and families by reducing travel time, lowering logistics costs, improving commerce and strengthening economic connectivity across the South-east.

The organisation therefore urged Umahi, as Minister of Works, to ensure the completion of federal road and bridge projects in the Southeast, insisting that contractors should be held accountable, project timelines respected and construction standards maintained.

Ohanaeze acknowledged Obi’s contributions to South-east political history and Umahi’s role as a former governor and current Minister of Works, urging both men to demonstrate statesmanship and recognise that the interests of millions of ordinary Ndigbo were greater than the political fortunes of any individual.

The organisation also called on Ndigbo to use the period leading to 2031 to consolidate infrastructure, strengthen the regional economy, build political institutions and cultivate alliances across Nigeria, arguing that the Igbo presidential project should be approached as a generational national campaign rather than one tied solely to the 2027 election.