Will Ndigbo Self-destruct with Attacks on Peter Obi? - Onoh Cautions

Denge Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and former South-East Spokesman for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, has called on South-East political actors to exercise immediate restraint and maintain regional decorum.  

In a press statement issued in Abuja, Onoh issued a stern warning against the growing trend among prominent Igbo political figures of weaponising personal insults against former Anambra State Governor and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in pursuit of short-term political advantages.  

Responding to public friction involving leaders such as Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, Onoh stressed that while political dissent and differing party allegiances are constitutional rights, demeaning the region’s key figures before national competitors is a strategic misstep that degrades the overall political influence of Ndigbo.

Drawing comparisons with political traditions in other parts of the country, Onoh highlighted how other geopolitical zones safeguard their strategic political assets.

"The Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba political establishments understand the core tenets of collective preservation," Onoh stated. "Even in the heat of intense internal rivalries, they rarely weaponise state apparatus or use toxic language to destroy their national political assets. They protect their frontline political figures because they understand that a wounded leader reduces the collective negotiating power of the entire block at the federal table."

He cautioned that without a cohesive, mutually respectful front, South-East politicians risk remaining "political nomads"—individually successful and industrious, yet lacking a unified, stable anchor in national politics.

Onoh also pointed to historical precedents, warning that politicians who sabotage regional solidarity for temporary external patronage often end up alienated once political cycles close.

Emphasizing the geographical and cultural extent of the Igbo nation—stretching from Ikwerre and Port Harcourt in Rivers State northwards to Nsukka in Enugu State near the Kogi and Benue borders, and from Anioma and Igbanke west of the River Niger across to the borderlands of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States—Onoh described Igbo unity as a potent instrument for national negotiations.

He observed that since the eras of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, no political figure from the region has generated the level of broad, organic national appeal that Peter Obi currently commands. Attempting to systematically tear down such a prominent national brand, he added, effectively devalues the region’s bargaining power.

While condemning political mudslinging, Onoh commended select leaders in the zone who have maintained high standards of leadership despite belonging to different political parties:

Senator Hope Uzodimma (Governor of Imo State)

Dr. Alex Otti (Governor of Abia State)

Dr. Peter Mbah (Governor of Enugu State)

Onoh noted that these leaders have demonstrated that politicians can engage in fierce political competition while maintaining dignity, without resorting to public attacks on Peter Obi for brief applause.

A Call to Political Actors and Supporters

Looking ahead to future elections, Onoh reiterated that every citizen and politician retains the right to support any national figure, whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, or others. However, he urged politicians and supporters to focus on policy, manifestos, and governance track records rather than character assassination.

"Let everyone express their choices clearly through the ballot box," Onoh said. "If you do not believe in Peter Obi's vision, speak your mind by voting against him at the polls. But do not join external choruses to launch vitriolic insults against a decent man who, despite his natural human flaws, has brought profound global pride to millions."

He concluded with a reminder that temporary political offices and privileges will eventually pass, but regional history will hold accountable those who traded collective respect for short-lived personal leverage.