Group sets conditions for candidates, parties seeking Igbo support in future elections
Group sets conditions for candidates, parties seeking Igbo support in future elections
Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), a socio-cultural group, says henceforth, any candidate or political party seeking Igbo people’s support in future elections must enter into a binding Memorandum of Understanding with them.
The group stated this in a communique jointly signed by it its Convener, Chief Chekwas Okori, and Executive Secretary, Jonathan Elendu, after its inaugural meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
Okorie, who read the communiqué, stressed that Igbo votes must never again be taken for granted.
He said the group had resolved to undertake a mass mobilisation and education campaign to reawaken political consciousness within the Igbo nation to ensure their full participation in future elections.
Okorie said it was high time for Ndigbo to “redeem, reassert, and reclaim” their rightful place in Nigeria’s political and economic space through unity, resilience, and strategic engagement.
“The gathering noted with concern the historical absence of a unified Igbo political front since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
“It condemned the ridicule, marginalisation, and alienation of Ndigbo in Nigeria’s political space and resolved that such a trend must no longer continue.
“Any candidate or political party seeking Igbo support must enter into a binding MoU with the Igbo nation, and such agreements shall be made public through verified platforms,” he said.
He said the meeting also observed the decline in voter turnout among the Igbo people in recent elections and resolved to reawaken political consciousness through mass mobilisation and education.
“It was agreed that the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is the strongest instrument of political empowerment for Ndigbo, far more effective than violence or armed struggle,” he said.
Okorie reaffirmed that the IAD was not a rival or parallel body to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which remains the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo nation.
IAD, he explained, is a complementary platform dedicated to formulating a clear and binding political agenda for the Igbo in Nigeria.
Okorie said that the meeting endorsed the proposal to formulate practical strategies in a sustainable manner to ensure full Igbo participation in all electoral contests wherever they are domiciled in Nigeria.
According to him, this strategy aims at harnessing Igbo networks for electoral fortunes.
“The meeting resolved to build a formidable Igbo National Grid, integrating all credible Igbo associations, unions, professional bodies, and diaspora groups.
”They are to be integrated into a coordinated structure for political mobilisation, economic empowerment, and cultural renaissance,” he said.
He further said the meeting also resolved to work toward convening a comprehensive Igbo Political Summit to be hosted in Enugu on a date to be agreed upon.
Okorie said the summit would be inclusive, cutting across political parties, market and professional associations, town unions, women and youth organisations, the Igbo diaspora, and all critical stakeholders across the South-East.
He added that it would also include all Igbo-speaking communities in Delta, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Kogi states, and beyond.
“The meeting also resolved that the proposed Summit shall adopt an Igbo Charter, a comprehensive political agenda that will define Igbo interests, rights, and responsibilities in Nigeria.
“A select committee of respected Igbo leaders, technocrats, and intellectuals shall be constituted to draft the Charter, ensuring depth, quality, and durability,” he said.(NAN)
