Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized that it is unjust to deny the Igbo people the opportunity to lead Nigeria based on past secession attempts. He argued that holding the Igbo responsible for the Biafran secession during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) should not disqualify them from producing a president.
Obasanjo made these remarks during a meeting with the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau. The meeting was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. During the discussion, Obasanjo stated that political marginalization of the Southeast region of Nigeria is unfair and counterproductive to the nation’s growth.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Igbo people to Nigeria’s economy and politics. The Southeast, which is predominantly Igbo, has long felt underrepresented in the country’s highest political office. Despite their influence and population, no Igbo candidate has been elected president since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Obasanjo’s comments come at a crucial time as discussions around fairness and national unity are becoming increasingly central in the build-up to the 2027 presidential elections. Many believe that for true national unity, each major ethnic group, including the Igbo, should have a chance to lead the country.
His remarks are likely to reignite national debates on inclusivity and the political future of the Southeast. It also sends a clear message to political leaders to reconsider their stance on regional representation and power-sharing to promote national cohesion.
