The emergence of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo marks a critical juncture for the socio-cultural organization and the Igbo nation. As he assumes office, the stakes are high, and the expectations even higher. The Igbo people, confronted with a number of systemic issues, look up to Azuta-Mbata to steer Ohanaeze Ndigbo into a new era of relevance, unity, and strategic engagement within the Nigerian federation. This is not merely a ceremonial position; it is a call to action. The issues on Azuta-Mbata’s desk demand immediate attention, strategic planning, and decisive action.
The Azuta-Mbata presidency has sparked a wave of reactions, both in celebration and criticism. While many see his leadership as a fresh opportunity to tackle the myriad challenges confronting the Igbo nation, others have raised questions about the process that led to his election. The criticisms are not mere whispers but echo the concerns of critical stakeholders who feel sidelined, particularly regarding the suspension of constitutional provisions on election procedures and the adoption of a voice vote in ‘selecting’ an alleged ‘non-member’ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as President-General.
This apparent bypass of established protocols – (as if the Organisation found itself in a situation that made the application of ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ principle inevitable) – has left sour taste in the mouths of a section of the Igbo populace. These aggrieved voices are not to be ignored, for unity and inclusivity are essential if Ohanaeze Ndigbo is to fulfill its mandate. The onus now lies on Senator Mbata and his team to bridge the divides, assuage hurt feelings with a view to bringing all on board for the herculean task of reinventing Ohanaeze Ndigbo and re-launching it on the path of moral rectitude, unity of purpose, progress, and overall development of Igbo land.
The concerns surrounding the transparency and due process of Senator Mbata’s emergence have the potential to cast a shadow over his presidency if left unaddressed. History has shown that leadership without the trust and support of stakeholders is a recipe for stagnation, particularly in an organization as culturally and politically significant as Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The first step towards rebuilding trust is acknowledging the grievances of those who feel excluded or marginalized by the process. Senator Mbata must adopt an open-door policy, engaging critical stakeholders – including factions, dissenting voices, and prominent Igbo leaders – to chart a common path forward. Assuaging these feelings of discontent, even if it requires bending backward, will not only strengthen his presidency but also reinstate confidence in Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a unifying body.
The challenges before Senator Mbata transcend the immediate controversies surrounding his election. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in recent years, has struggled with issues of internal division, waning relevance, and a perception of partisanship. If his presidency is to be transformative, Senator Mbata must take deliberate steps to bring all stakeholders under one umbrella. This includes reconciling with factional leaders like Uche Okwukwu and Jackson Omenazu and fostering a spirit of inclusivity that transcends political affiliations and personal ambitions.
The perception of a lack of transparency in the electoral process underscores the need for institutional reforms. Senator Mbata must commit to restoring the credibility of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by ensuring that future elections and decisions are guided by due process and constitutional provisions. Clear communication and accountability should be hallmarks of his administration.
The cry of marginalization remains one of the most persistent and painful realities for Ndigbo in Nigeria. Despite being one of the country’s three largest ethnic groups, the southeast remains the only geopolitical zone with just five states, compared to six in the others. This imbalance affects political representation, resource allocation, and development priorities. An Azuta-Mbata presidency would need to prioritize the demand for a sixth state in the southeast.
Beyond pushing this renewed advocacy through traditional channels, his leadership must galvanize grassroots mobilization, build strategic alliances with other regions, and engage the National Assembly and the Presidency to ensure this issue gains the traction it deserves. Additionally, he must work to counter the demeaning “dot-in-a-circle” narrative perpetuated during the Buhari administration, which sought to diminish the status and significance of the Igbo people in Nigeria. The Azuta-Mbata presidency must aim to reshape this narrative, demonstrating the Igbo nation’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and their indispensable role in its future.
As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, the question of Igbo political relevance looms large. Years of political isolation have left the southeast on the fringes of national politics, with little to show for its loyalty or opposition. Currently, the highest political office holder of Igbo extraction is Hon Benjamin Kalu, who occupies the sixth position as Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives. For a people who constitute one of the three pivotal tripods of Nigeria’s federal structure, the current political standing of Ndigbo within the nation’s power hierarchy is nothing short of a travesty. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s position as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives – a distant sixth in the hierarchy of political power – is a glaring reminder of the systematic relegation of the Igbo in the Nigerian polity. This situation underscores the urgent need for a rethinking and reinvention of the Igbo political trajectory to reclaim their rightful place in the national discourse.
The Igbo have historically played a significant role in Nigeria’s development, from pre-independence politics to post-civil war era. Yet, despite their immense contributions, they remain politically marginalized, often viewed through the prism of a mere ‘dot’ in a federation they helped to establish. The current political configuration reflects a deliberate attempt to sideline Ndigbo, a reality that has fueled resentment and calls for self-determination among sections of the population.
The marginalization of the Igbo is not just about numbers or titles; it borders on structural imbalance that perpetuates a narrative of exclusion. It is reflected in the lack of equitable representation in critical federal appointments, the absence of strategic political alliances, and the deliberate underdevelopment of the southeast region. This relegation is not only undeserving but also inimical to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
The political trajectory of the Igbo has been one of resilience and adaptability. From the days of Nnamdi Azikiwe, who championed Nigeria’s independence, to Alex Ekwueme, whose vision of a six-zone structure reshaped the nation’s federal framework, the Igbo have demonstrated an ability to influence the national agenda. However, the post-civil war years and the subsequent dynamics of political exclusion have weakened their political clout.
It is instructive to note that the marginalization of Ndigbo has often been facilitated by internal disunity and a lack of cohesive political strategy. The seeming inability of the Igbo political elite to present a united front has allowed other groups to exploit their divisions, thereby diminishing their bargaining power in the Nigerian federation. To reclaim their rightful place, Ndigbo must take deliberate steps to reinvent their political trajectory. This reinvention must be built on unity, strategic alliances, and a focus on long-term goals.
In re-inventing the path forward, an Azuta-Mbata presidency must lead a deliberate effort to return Ndigbo to the mainstream of Nigerian politics. This requires engaging with other regional leaders, forming strategic coalitions, and articulating a unified Igbo position on national issues. To this effect, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, under Azuta-Mbata’s leadership should seek to reclaim its independence and act as the voice of the Igbo people rather than a tool for political expediency. By doing so, the organization can chart a path that prioritizes the interests of Ndigbo while aligning with broader national goals.
As a corollary, the quest for an Igbo presidency remains a key issue. However, this aspiration must be pursued with tact and strategic background work. It is not enough to demand the presidency; Ndigbo must demonstrate the capacity to lead by building alliances, showcasing competent leaders, and presenting a vision that resonates with Nigerians across all regions.
The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains a flashpoint in the southeast. While opinions on Kanu’s methods and ideology vary, his release is widely seen as a necessary step toward peace and stability in the region. The Azuta-Mbata team would need to engage both the federal government and IPOB leadership in honest and pragmatic dialogue. His administration should champion the call for Kanu’s release, emphasizing its potential to de-escalate tensions and create an environment conducive to addressing the root causes of agitation in the southeast.
Insecurity in the southeast has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by a dual siege – armed groups perpetrating violence and security agencies imposing a heavy-handed militarization of the region. For many, traveling within the southeast has become a nightmare, with multiple checkpoints and an atmosphere of fear, suggestive of an occupied territory. Azuta-Mbata should prioritize security as a cornerstone of his presidency.
This involves engaging with traditional rulers, community leaders, and state governments to address local security concerns while advocating a significant reduction in the excessive presence of federal security forces. A coordinated approach that balances security with human rights and economic stability is essential to restoring normalcy in the region.
There is no doubt that the road ahead for the John Azuta-Mbata presidency is fraught with challenges, but it is also laden with opportunities. The task ahead is daunting, but it is not insurmountable. John Azuta-Mbata’s presidency is a rare opportunity to reshape the trajectory of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo nation. By addressing the cries of marginalization, reinventing Igbo political relevance, ensuring security, and fostering unity, Azuta-Mbata can lay the foundation for a new era of progress and pride for Ndigbo.
Ndigbo, on their part, have a crucial role to play. They must stand together, support one another, and work collectively to reimagine their political fortunes. The political marginalization of Ndigbo is a blot on Nigeria’s claim to equity and justice. Reclaiming their rightful place in the nation’s political landscape requires unity, strategy, and relentless pursuit of shared goals. Ndigbo must seize this moment to rise above divisions and stand solidly behind Azuta-Mbata presidency, forge strategic alliances, and present themselves as a credible and indispensable part of Nigeria’s future. Senator Mbata’s presidency is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The Igbo proverb, ‘A nyụkọọ maammiri, ọ gbọọ ụfụfụ’ (Joint urination produces foam), aptly captures the essence of what is required now. A divided Ohanaeze or one without the people’s support cannot fulfill its mandate, but a united Ohanaeze can be a formidable force in reshaping the destiny of the Igbo nation.
• Prof Agbedo writes from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.