Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has stated that any Igbo individual who rejects Peter Obi’s presidential bid for 2027 is acting as an adversary to the South-East region. Speaking at an event in Awka, Anambra State, Umeh emphasized that Obi remains the moral voice of the Igbo for the upcoming general election and cautioned that opposing him equates to sabotaging collective regional interests.
“I’m an Igbo activist, you people know me and you hear my voice in the Senate on all issues of national importance. Peter is our conscience in this election,” he said. “Any Igbo man who stands up to say we will not vote for Peter Obi, I’m telling you that he’s an enemy of Igbo people.” Umeh also cautioned Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, against taking actions capable of undermining Obi’s presidential ambition, urging him to discharge his responsibilities as governor with honour and nobility. He said he had played a significant role in Soludo’s emergence as governor and expected him to protect the collective interests of the people rather than engage in political actions against Obi. “This one (Soludo) that is serving, I was a principal contributor to his ascending to that office. He’s holding that office in trust for all of us. Anything he does in that office; he must discharge it with honour and nobility. “It is not by sabotaging our own brother. I’m saying it because anybody who can see him should tell him. We don’t want fight but let him not commit abomination by wanting to destroy his brother in the name of politics,” the senator said. Soludo had endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, declaring him the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The governor and Obi, who both previously governed Anambra State, have also exchanged criticisms over Obi’s performance while in office. Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party before joining the NDC to pursue his 2027 presidential ambition.
What You Should Know
This statement highlights rising political tensions within the South-East as political figures begin aligning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly concerning former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s presidential aspirations.
- Political Alignment: The remarks emphasize a push for regional solidarity behind Peter Obi, urging political actors and leaders in the South-East to present a united front.
- Potential Friction: Open warnings directed at figures like Governor Chukwuma Soludo signal looming internal political conflicts and divisions among Igbo leaders over party affiliations and presidential endorsements.
