The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to retire from politics.
Ohanaeze said Atiku’s lifelong ambition to become president has come to an end.
The group made the remark while appreciating the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors for sinking Atiku’s ambition.
A statement signed by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said Atiku should retire from politics because he disregarded the zoning formula during the last presidential election.
He also commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere’s leader, Ayo Adebanjo, who supported the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The statement reads partly: “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 favored the Southeast and the Igbo people.”