The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party to throw its 2023 presidential ticket open amounted to committing suicide.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said this on Wednesday in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia.
The statement, on behalf of the President General, Ambassador George Obiozor, came shortly after a 37-member zoning committee of the PDP, chaired by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, submitted its report to the party’s National Working Committee.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo wondered when the party decided to jettison zoning when it was the turn of the South, particularly the South East.
It described the decision as “unconscionable political blunder and betrayal” of the Igbo, given the price they have paid supporting the party over the years.
It stated that rotation and zoning principle was engrained into the PDP’s Constitution in 2009.
According to the statement, article 7 (2) (c) of the PDP Constitution states: “In pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices, and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels.”
There statement added: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reiterates the position of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clark that any party that does not zone it presidential ticket to the south should not expect the support of the Middle Belt and the entire South. It is therefore curious that the PDP should commit political hara-kiri at a time it is struggling for a fresh air. It is unfortunate that the PDP glomourises inordinate ambitions; any political ambition that undermines nation building should be checkmated.
“Let it be known that it runs contrary to the indomitable Igbo spirit to swallow any form of indignity, disdain or condescension from anybody or group. It is therefore highly inconceivable that the Igbo will validate a party or group that runs roughshod over its sensibilities.”
