IBB’s clarification on 1966 coup strengthens case for Igbo presidency in 2027 – Udeogaranya

DDM News

A former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections, Charles Udeogaranya, has stated that former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida’s recent clarification on the January 1966 coup will help facilitate the emergence of an Igbo presidency in 2027.

Udeogaranya, in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, welcomed Babangida’s remarks, describing them as a long-overdue intervention in correcting historical inaccuracies that have contributed to the political marginalization of the Igbo people.

He argued that these distortions have been used as justification to deny the South-East region its rightful place in Nigeria’s leadership.

His statement came in response to a recent call by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, which demanded an apology from the federal government over decades of exclusion and perceived humiliation of the South-East.

The group has consistently advocated for an Igbo presidency, insisting that the region deserves a turn at the highest office in the land.

Babangida, during the launch of his book, A Journey in Service, made a crucial clarification regarding the 1966 coup, stating that it should not be perceived as an Igbo conspiracy.

Over the years, many have used the narrative that the coup was an Igbo-driven plot to justify the continued political exclusion of the South-East.

The former military leader’s statement has, therefore, been seen as an important step toward national reconciliation.

Udeogaranya, a committed follower of the ideology of Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, argued that the time has come for political fairness to prevail.

According to him, the presidency in 2027 should be zoned to the South-East as part of efforts to address decades of political imbalance.

He noted that no Igbo person has occupied the presidency since Nigeria’s independence, despite the region’s enormous contributions to the country’s development.

“These packs of lies fabricated against the Igbo people were designed to deny Ndigbo the right to preside over Nigeria,” Udeogaranya said.

“This is the aftermath of five decades of Nigerian leadership without an Igbo president.”

The former APC presidential aspirant stressed that Babangida’s revelation should now put an end to the misinformation that has been used to sideline the South-East politically.

He asserted that with this new clarity, all excuses for denying an Igbo presidency have been invalidated, making the case for a South-East leader in 2027 stronger than ever.

“IBB’s revelation renders all lies against Ndigbo null and void and ultimately clears the way for the emergence of a Nigerian president of Igbo descent in 2027,” he stated.

Udeogaranya further called on Nigeria’s three leading political parties—the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party—to ensure that they nominate Igbo candidates in the next presidential election.

He stressed that doing so is not only a matter of justice but also crucial for the country’s unity and progress.

“I, therefore, urge the three leading political parties—APC, PDP, and Labour Party—to nominate Igbo candidates for the 2027 presidential election.

This is crucial for urgent national healing and to set Nigeria back on the path of economic growth, rather than the continued struggle for a share of the national cake,” he said.

According to Udeogaranya, zoning the presidency to the South-East will foster national unity and economic transformation.

He lamented that Nigeria’s politics has been dominated by a system of power rotation that has consistently overlooked the Igbo people, despite their numerical strength, business ingenuity, and commitment to nation-building.

The politician emphasized that an Igbo presidency would bring fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose to governance.

He argued that the South-East has proven its capacity for economic excellence, innovation, and resilience, making it well-suited to lead Nigeria toward greater prosperity.

“The Igbo are known for their industrious nature, and their ability to rebuild from setbacks is unmatched.

An Igbo presidency will not only heal old wounds but will also introduce a governance model based on productivity and economic growth,” he stated.

Udeogaranya urged Nigerians to embrace the call for an Igbo presidency as a necessary step toward national inclusivity.

He noted that all regions of the country must feel a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project, warning that continued exclusion of the South-East could further deepen the nation’s divisions.

As discussions around the 2027 elections gather momentum, the demand for an Igbo presidency is expected to intensify.

Political analysts believe that Babangida’s recent remarks could serve as a turning point in the push for equity, giving fresh momentum to the long-standing call for an Igbo leader in Aso Rock.

With mounting pressure on political parties to address the South-East’s grievances, Udeogaranya’s statement adds to the growing voices insisting that Nigeria must prioritize justice, fairness, and unity in its leadership selection process.

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