Igbo Group Urges Peter Obi to Run as Atiku’s VP in 2027

A socio political organisation, the Southeast Patriots (SEP), has called on Peter Obi to accept the vice presidential slot and run with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general election.

The group made the call in a press statement signed by its Convener, Barr. Obunike Ohaegbu, and Secretary, Barr. Ambrose Ugbaja, firmly reiterating its support for a political alliance that it believes is crucial for the Igbo people.

The group’s position is a direct reaffirmation of a significant historical agreement. They are throwing their weight behind the communiqué issued by Igbo leaders at the Nike Lake Resort on November 14, 2018, which had originally endorsed the Atiku Abubakar/Peter Obi presidential ticket.

The SEP stated that this decision was made after careful deliberation by the region’s most respected figures and remains the best path forward.

In their statement, the group declared, “We categorically state: Nothing has changed since that Nike Lake Resort declaration. The marginalisation of Ndigbo has not abated. Nigeria remains dangerously divided.

The demand for restructuring remains urgent and unresolved.” This powerful sentiment underscores their belief that the circumstances which led to the initial endorsement are still very much present, making the same political solution just as necessary today as it was then.

The SEP emphasised that the original endorsement was not a casual decision but a profound moment of unity and purpose for the Igbo community. They recalled the deep emotional weight of the event, highlighting the involvement of late legal luminary, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN.

The group poignantly noted, “We cannot forget the powerful moment, broadcast live on national television and emblazoned on the front pages of newspapers, when the late Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) embraced Atiku Abubakar upon his arrival at Nike Lake Resort, shedding tears of hope for the survival of his people.”

For the Southeast Patriots, this is a matter of honouring the legacy and final wishes of their departed elders. They see the 2018 communiqué as a binding resolution for the Igbo people that has never been replaced or revoked. The group passionately argued, “The Nike Lake Resort Communiqué therefore remains the standing position of Ndi Igbo. We in SEP firmly believe that nothing has changed since that communiqué. A people must be trusted, and their word must be their bond.”

Ultimately, the group’s call is a strategic one, rooted in a desire for political relevance and national restructuring. They believe that aligning with Atiku Abubakar, who has championed a restructuring agenda, offers the most viable route for the Southeast to achieve its national objectives.

The SEP’s statement is direct appeal to Peter Obi and the wider Igbo community to unite behind this pre-existing agreement, concluding with the firm resolution, “We stand where our fathers stood. We echo what our leaders echoed. The Nike Lake position remains our position.”