Muhammadu Buhari has told Ndigbo that their political future depends largely on his re-election in 2019.
The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said this at July 3, 2018, All Progressives Congress (APC), Southeast mega rally at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Imo State, organized by Governor Rochas Okorocha.
“The people of the South East are part of Nigeria and they have the right to make claim where the need arises and we will all support them.
“The Igbo are not good starters. But whenever they start, they can catch it. Let me say this, 2019 is an election that will make or mar the chances of Igbo in Nigeria. I want Igbo to make a paradigm shift.
“We have to know that the position of the presidency is negotiable. You can argue it from the point of strength and not from the point of weakness. 2019 will determine the future of this country. Let me say this, there are 18 Christians and 18 Muslims in Buhari’s cabinet. Even the Vice President is a Christian. I see a whole lot of people coming out to be president. Let me tell them Nigeria is not a Banana republic.”
On his part, the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiohmole, said he was impressed by the turn out during the rally, adding that such signifies that Buhari is loved by Igbo.
“We are tired of PDP deceiving the people. What they could not do in 16 years, they want us to do it in 3 years. How many times did they invite the Igbo to the groundbreaking ceremony of the second Niger Bridge? he queried
Meanwhile, political heavyweights in the South Eastern part of the country did not grace the occasion.
The likes of Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and other serving ministers from the zone; serving senators from the zone; former senators, House of Representatives members from the zone. State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, former speakers of the State House of Assembly, former commissioners under Okorocha and many more others shunned the rally.
Speaking at the rally, Governor Okorocha, noted that Ndigbo love President Buhari, adding, “I am happy for our new brand National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. I describe him as the silencer of PDP. Adams Oshiomhole is a hope of APC and we look up to him to give us the best.
“We are one in South East. We are celebrating the leadership of President Buhari. People have argued that we made a mistake.It is just that in 2015, Igbo did not believe in Buhari but in 2018, Igbo now believe in Buhari.”