Ahead of the 2015 general polls, National Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie has called on Ndigbo to negotiate political power or lose out in 2015.
Speaking during a sensitization visit to members of the party from the 17 LGAs of Abia state at Recreation Club, Aba, Okorie lamented that Ndigbo has lost its prominent position in the politics of Nigeria as they no longer occupy any of the five important positions in the country.
Okorie charged Ndigbo to discuss with any political party and candidates who wants their support in 2015, stressing that the people will no longer allow office holders to get away with their votes without commensurate dividends of democracy.
“If President Goodluck Jonathan wants to stay further in 2015, he must negotiate with Ndigbo. We must discuss to know what Ndigbo will stand to benefit. In 2015, Ndigbo must discuss and bargain with any presidential aspirant who wants their support. With NCNC, Azikiwe discussed with the NPC and Ndigbo had accommodation and were comfortable. With NPP, Azikiwe also discussed with NPN; Ndigbo got the Vice presidential seat. In the second republic, Ndigbo also got the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives because there was discussion. Never again will Ndigbo support people without bargaining with them to know what will come to our people. If you want to be president in Nigeria, you must discuss with Ndigbo; not with one or two individuals who represent themselves. We must bargain so that we know what will be our benefit when you assume office. I have not said Jonathan is not a good President, but a Nigerian President from Igbo extraction will be better,” Okorie said.
He accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of relegating Ndigbo to an irrelevant position in the scheme of thing in Nigeria and urged Ndigbo to support UPP which is the only party that has reserved her presidential ticket for Ndigbo.
“Of all the registered political parties, only UPP has reserved her presidential ticket for Ndigbo. Our people should reject any party which has foreclosed its ticket against the Igbo people.”
