Ex-President Obasanjo Reveals His Stand On Igbo Presidency

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that it is unjust to single out the Igbo for attempting to exit from Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday, Obasanjo noted that all of the country’s three major ethnic groups had, at one point, considered breaking away from the federation.

Obasanjo expressed his dismay over the frequent claims that the Igbo should be excluded from Nigeria’s presidency due to their involvement in the January 15, 1966, coup that led to the collapse of the First Republic.

He emphasized that other regions of the country had also pursued secession at different times in Nigeria’s history.

The former president made these remarks while addressing a delegation of 20 members from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Reflecting on history, Obasanjo recalled the North’s attempt to leave Nigeria through the “Araba” movement.

He highlighted that this secessionist plan from the North was just one of several by different regions, proving that no single ethnic group could claim innocence.

“I think all of us in Nigeria have to rethink… It bleeds my heart when people say because the Igbo had carried out a secession, an Igbo man cannot be the president of Nigeria.

“I say what nonsense? There is no section of Nigeria that has not planned a secession. What is ‘Araba’ in the North? The North planned to break up Nigeria. Ahmed Jooda, a very good friend of mine, said that.

“What is treasonable felony? So, who among us can say I am better than the other? None! So, let us put our heads together and build a country together,” Obasanjo remarked.

The elder statesman urged Nigerians to unite and work towards building a stronger nation, noting that secessionist ambitions had affected all regions of the country, not just the Igbo.

He further acknowledged that many Nigerians shared the same concerns as the League of Northern Democrats and expressed his willingness to support the group, provided it aimed for a national, rather than a regional, focus.