While it is somewhat clear that the popularity the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari enjoys in the other four geopolitical zones of Nigeria, the Southeast and South-South zone still stand opposed to his candidacy and government, the South-South is gradually titling to Buhari with the big regional and political colossuses like former governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta states, Obong Godswill Akpabio and Emmanuel Uduaghan respectively, pushing hard for Buhari ahead of 2019.

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An advantage to the efforts of the duo is the recent resignation of the PDP strongman and Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, as coordinator of Atiku’s campaign the region.   But my particular interest is in the Southeast geopolitical zone which I belong and which has yearned to produce a President of Nigeria. The Igbo have been continually drifted away from the position of the number one citizenship of Nigeria by their own presumed political allies from time immemorial.

The region has to choose between Buhari and Atiku for their political future. It is a choice that must be taken soon. Buhari gained popularity in the region especially in Imo state which was governed by the APC. In the run-up to 2019, the governors of the region have been very tactical in pushing for any candidate at the federal level. They have settled for the PDP in their states, save Anambra state under the APGA. The Imo governorship preferred aspirant of the APC and in-law to the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha, has deserted the APC, a twisted indication that the governor himself may not work for APC in 2019.

If that is established, then the Southeast is further closing its borders against the APC. But what will Buhari and Atiku eventually take from the Southeast?      Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states are PDP. Imo that was APC is now divided. Anambra is APGA but may be heavily influenced by the PDP due to the fact that the PDP vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is from Anambra. If these facts are anything to go by, then Atiku’s popularity in the Southeast is certain. Yet on this, can it be concluded that Atiku will win the votes of all the Igbo people? Despite being the least voting strength amongst the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, what influence can Atiku’s alliance with the Igbo bear on the overall results in the forthcoming February Presidential polls?

Both Buhari and Atiku are pushing hard to win the Igbo votes. The ball is, therefore, in the court of the Igbo. Whether or not the Igbo will be the deciding factor for the victory of any of them, it is clear that the Igbo now have the yam and the knife. Whichever share they decide to give to Buhari and Atiku will definitely determine their political share and expectation in future.

Muhammad Ajah,

Abuja.  

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