Northern Youth Assembly Challenges Obi to Clarify Position on IPOB Ahead of 2027 Election
Northern Youth Assembly Challenges Obi to Clarify Position on IPOB Ahead of 2027 Election
The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has challenged the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, to clearly state his position on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arguing that the issue could become a major factor in his quest for northern votes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Hafiz Garba, the group said Obi’s comments regarding IPOB, dating back to 2017, remain a subject of concern among many northern voters and political stakeholders.
The youth group referenced remarks made by Obi during a television interview in October 2017, in which he disagreed with the designation of IPOB as a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government.
According to the Assembly, the former Anambra State governor has yet to publicly retract or substantially revise the position, despite subsequent developments relating to security challenges linked to the group.
The group argued that the issue resurfaced during the 2023 presidential election and continues to generate debate as political parties and candidates begin preparations for the 2027 contest.
It noted that northern communities, which have experienced years of insecurity, terrorism, banditry and violent extremism, place significant importance on the positions of political leaders regarding national security issues.
“The North does not take issues relating to terrorism lightly because of the enormous human and economic costs that communities across the region have endured over the years,” the statement said.
The Assembly further contended that Obi’s subsequent comments on insecurity, including statements made after the 2023 election, did not adequately address concerns raised by critics regarding his position on IPOB.
According to the group, the question of whether the former presidential candidate considers IPOB a terrorist organisation remains unresolved and could influence public perception of his candidacy in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The statement also highlighted the humanitarian and economic consequences of insecurity in the South-East, including the impact of sit-at-home orders and attacks attributed to criminal elements operating in the region.
The Northern Youth Assembly argued that presidential aspirants seeking nationwide support must demonstrate consistency, clarity and commitment in addressing all forms of insecurity, irrespective of geographical location or political considerations.
The group acknowledged Obi’s emphasis on economic reforms, governance, power sector development and other policy issues in his emerging 2027 campaign but maintained that security concerns remain central to voter considerations.
It also referenced the political significance of Obi’s alliance with former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen support in Northern Nigeria ahead of the election.
However, the Assembly insisted that strategic political alliances alone may not be sufficient to address concerns about national security positions.
“The question many northern voters may ask is simple: what is Peter Obi’s current position on IPOB? Until there is a direct and unambiguous answer, the issue will likely remain part of the political conversation heading into 2027,” the statement added.
The group urged all presidential aspirants to articulate clear positions on issues relating to national unity, security and terrorism, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity from those seeking the country’s highest office.
Political observers note that security, economic reforms, governance and national cohesion are expected to dominate campaign discussions as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
By TimesNG