Igbo elders fault Umahi’s comment on Obi, say no one can dictate South-East choice

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has strongly refuted comments attributed to Nigeria's Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, concerning the presidential aspirations of Peter Obi. UNIEC asserted that no single individual, irrespective of their political standing or public office, possesses the right to dictate the political preferences of the Igbo people.

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As a non-partisan consultative, advisory and policy institution, UNIEC Worldwide does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. Our responsibility is to uphold constitutional democracy, promote responsible leadership, safeguard the collective interest of Ndigbo and encourage peaceful civic participation.

Umahi had reportedly suggested that while he was not attacking Obi, people from the South-East should not vote for him. In response, UNIEC, through its Director-General His Lordship Alpha Justice Ikpeama, issued a statement emphasizing that decisions impacting the Igbo people have historically been collective, not the domain of any one person.

"As a non-partisan consultative, advisory and policy institution, UNIEC Worldwide does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. Our responsibility is to uphold constitutional democracy, promote responsible leadership, safeguard the collective interest of Ndigbo and encourage peaceful civic participation," the council stated. They underscored that under Nigeria's constitution, every citizen has the fundamental right to choose their political party or candidate freely, without coercion or undue influence.

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Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, every citizen has the fundamental right to freely choose the political party or candidate of his or her choice without coercion, intimidation, undue influence or external direction.

The council cautioned political leaders, especially public office holders, against making statements that could incite tension or overheat the political climate ahead of elections. UNIEC reiterated that the Igbo people are renowned for their republican philosophy, independent judgment, and consultative traditions. "The Igbo people have, throughout history, been recognised for their republican philosophy, independent judgment and consultative tradition. Decisions affecting the future of the people have never been the exclusive preserve of any individual, irrespective of public office or political status," the statement read.

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The Igbo people have, throughout history, been recognised for their republican philosophy, independent judgment and consultative tradition. Decisions affecting the future of the people have never been the exclusive preserve of any individual, irrespective of public office or political status.

UNIEC urged political leaders to exhibit restraint, mutual respect, and statesmanship, advocating for democratic competition based on ideas, performance, and policies. They advised voters in the South-East and across Nigeria to remain peaceful and politically responsible, evaluating candidates based on competence, integrity, vision, and commitment to national unity and development.

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As our elders wisely say, no single tree makes a forest, and no single voice speaks for an entire people.