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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Onyekachi Onyekwere, has urged Ndigbo to shun ethnic politics and embrace what he described as “central politics” to enable the people participate more effectively in national affairs.
Onyekwere, a Lagos-based businessman and political stakeholder, made the call while speaking with reporters in Lagos.
He urged the Igbo to avoid what he described as confrontational politics and work with other Nigerians to support candidates of the APC in the forthcoming elections.
According to him, greater participation in national politics would enable Ndigbo to position themselves at the centre of political decision-making and benefit from opportunities available across the country.
Onyekwere specifically appealed to the people of Abia State to support the APC governorship candidate, Eric Opia, describing him as a young, vibrant and credible politician capable of transforming the state.
He said Opia, an industrialist, had built industries and created employment opportunities for people, adding that his philanthropic activities and lack of controversy made him suitable for the governorship.
“We are seriously consulting and meeting people so as to sell our candidate because he is a good one. He has built a lot of industries for his people and created employment opportunities for many. He is also a philanthropist and, most importantly, there is no controversy around him.”
Onyekwere said the APC would not have presented Opia as its candidate if the party had not carefully considered his qualities and capacity to deliver good governance.
He also criticised a former governor of the state for reportedly condemning the APC’s choice of candidate and predicting victory for the incumbent governor, Alex Otti.
“I heard a former governor of the state condemning the APC’s choice in the state and predicting victory for Alex Otti. It is a big shame because I did not expect this from him. He will be shocked at the end of the day because Eric Opia will carry the day,” he said.
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The APC chieftain said he expected the former governor to eventually support the party, describing him as an experienced politician.
“I know the former governor as a good politician. He will join us at the end of the day. My candid advice to the people of Abia State is to vote for Eric Opia and President Bola Tinubu. It should be APC all the way,” he said.
Onyekwere urged APC supporters to remain focused on the party’s objective of winning Abia State, saying those advocating alternative voting patterns were making what he described as defeatist statements.
“That is why I am advising my brothers not to play ethnic politics. Let us go ahead and vote for Tinubu and Eric Opia in Abia State. I don’t want Igbos to play confrontational politics,” he said.
He also described Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as a major political leader in the South-East who should provide stronger leadership for the APC in the region.
Onyekwere said Uzodimma had commenced consultations with stakeholders ahead of his senatorial ambition and disclosed that he was mobilising support for the governor.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma is a great man. He should be able to control the APC in the entire Igboland. He is our leader. I am gathering people to start a serious campaign for his senatorial seat because I am sure he will emerge as the President of the Senate in the next dispensation,” he said.
He further appealed to Ndigbo to work together and adopt what he called “central politics”, rather than allowing ethnic sentiments to determine their political choices.
“My advice to Igbos is for us all to work together. Play central politics and avoid ethnic politics. Igbos are very emotional when it comes to politics. Let us play politics that will help us and our children,” he said.
