Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ignited controversy at an empowerment rally in Anambra State by suggesting that Igbo political emancipation hinges on aligning with the ruling party.
Ganduje asserted that the Igbo could overcome marginalization and attain political freedom by joining the APC, citing missed opportunities for Igbo presidency in the 1980s. He referenced Alex Ekwueme's vice presidency under Shehu Shagari's administration, suggesting that Ekwueme could have ascended to the presidency if not for a military intervention.
Ganduje emphasized the APC as the pathway to political liberation, claiming that membership in the ruling party would eradicate marginalization. This statement comes against the backdrop of the Igbo's historical absence from the presidency since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999, despite being a major ethnic group in the country.
The discourse around Igbo political representation has been intensified by the resurgence of the Biafra separatist movement, spearheaded by Nnamdi Kanu's Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The movement evolved into an armed struggle following clashes between IPOB protesters and security forces under former President Muhammadu Buhari, resulting in numerous casualties.
Nigerians have accused Ganduje on social media of feeding bigots with divisive remarks on Igbo marginalization.
