The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said that the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential contender, Atiku Abubakar’s retirement from politics will serve as a sacrifice to salvage the party.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
The group opined that Atiku should also retire from politics because he disregarded the zoning formula during the last presidential election.
It also applauded former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere’s leader, Ayo Adebanjo, for supporting the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The statement reads in part, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Pa Ayo Adebanjo-led Afenifere, Dr Pogu Bitrus-led Middle Belt Forum, Pa Edwin-led Pan Niger Delta (PANDEF), and all others who stood firmly in support of Mr Peter Obi. Their unwavering commitment to the cause is commendable.
“Special appreciation is extended to the Nyesom Wike-led G5 Governors for their instrumental role in sinking the ambitions of Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s lifelong ambition to become president has reached its conclusion.
“It is now the opportune moment for him to gracefully retire from active politics, recognizing that his age necessitates this sacrifice to salvage the PDP, which he externally damaged in 2015 by aligning with the APC to remove Jonathan and internally in 2023 by disregarding the zoning formula that favoured the Southeast and the Igbo people.”
