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2023: Who will go for the Igbo? – Our best 3 candidates

Jonathan C. Nnakwube (Ph.D.) writes from Germany

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2023 Who will go for the Igbo, Igbo-Presidency
Orjiko? Ekeh? Onyema?

With 2023 just around the corner, the race to determine who succeeds incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari as the holder of the top job in Nigeria is beginning to gather steam.

Already, several candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, with some of them, like the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu not hiding their clear interest in the presidency.

One of the major issues shaping the conversations around the 2023 presidential election is the Igbo question. There is a strong argument for the South East to get a shot at the presidency, especially considering the fact that the region has endured an extended hiatus from the seat of power, coupled with the school of thought that an Igbo presidency has the tendency to quell the worrisome agitations in the region and provide the much-needed sense of belonging.

Further shoring up the argument for the Igbo cause is the position of political watchers, many of whom have pointed out the fact that the South East has a strong case of marginalization, notably when one considers how it has fared in comparison to other regions, as far as the presidency is concerned.

For this school of thought, presidential powers in Nigeria have largely rotated between the North and the South West.

They point to the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency which saw Atiku Abubakar, who hails from Adamawa in the North East as his side-kick for eight years; the short-lived Umar Musa Yar-Adua administration which threw up a South-South deputy in the person of Goodluck Jonathan and who later contested and won a four-year term with another Northerner, Namadi Sambo as vice president; as well as the incumbent eight-year administration of Buhari with a South-Western candidate, Yemi Osibanjo as vice president.

In their view, the fair thing would be to return the presidency to the South and allow the South-South to complete its eight years, four of which have already been enjoyed by Jonathan or better still, support an Igbo candidacy as successor to Buhari.

While another school of thought has continued to argue that the South East lacks a truly unified voice, a throwback to the republican nature which lends a fiercely decentralized, individualistic mindset in most South Easterners, others have also insisted that the region lacks the nous, the know-how and the guile to play national politics; the top-tier type loaded with high-wire stakes, lobbying and horse-trading that would guarantee a shoo-in for its candidate into Aso Rock.

Nevertheless, one thing that all parties agree on is the fact that the South East certainly deserves a chance to lead Nigeria again.

Undoubtedly, 2023 is perceived widely as a pivotal year for Nigeria on the political front. Bedeviled for donkey years by a combination of inept leadership and stunted development, the Nigerian state is home to a growing army of digitally savvy youths, many of whom are now boldly challenging the status quo and calling more loudly for better governance.

The foregoing came to the fore during the #EndSARS protests which rocked Nigeria in October 2020 as an army of disenchanted youths, under a movement which began as an opposition to widespread police brutality, expanded its agitations to clarion calls for an end to bad leadership. It took the combined might of state power and a bloody night at the now-infamous Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to put down the movement.

However, the warning signals are there that these youths are no longer just frustrated at the current state of affairs, but that they would also no longer stand by and watch with folded arms.

Also reinforcing the critical importance of the 2023 elections for the future of Nigeria is the sweeping changes in the global ecosystem, led by the growing powers of technology as a leveler and heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Nigerian youths today are resident in the country but working for firms or corporations abroad from the comfort of their homes.

Others are fleeing the country in droves, either migrating as skilled hands or fueling the ranks of those seeking higher education in advanced climes, as COVID and the pervasive influence of technology continue to disrupt the global economy.

The foregoing has seen more Nigerians gainfully join the Diaspora, with these new additions who have now experienced working systems in other climes, lending their voices and joining the bandwagon of those demanding a better Nigeria.

The view among some of these thinkers and a growing segment of political watchers in Nigeria is that, in order to get it right on the leadership front, Nigeria requires a shift from traditional politicians, many of whom have failed to distinguish themselves in office.

In other words, the reasoning is that the time is right for the country to explore the possibility of backing credible entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses, rather than rely on the established norm of having ill-suited career politicians in office.

Viewed from this perspective and against the backdrop of the Igbo candidacy, there is a consensus that the South East can certainly throw up a handful of very strong names, highly capable candidates that can bring their wealth of entrepreneurial experience to bear in leading Nigeria out of the woods and repositioning it as a dominant force on the continent and one to be reckoned with globally.

This list is certainly not exhaustive but here is a short list of three names that remain top of mind after rigorous examination.

These men do not only rank as successful entrepreneurs, but they have equally demonstrated proof of being men whose leadership abilities can be counted on.

ABC Orjiako:

ABC Orjiako for 2023 Presidential election

ABC orjiako of Seplat

Simple, unassuming and a man of means, Ambrose Orjiako is one of the useful names that springs up when it comes to sound entrepreneurial presidential options from the South East. A medical doctor by training, Dr. Orjiako holds the record of being the brains behind Seplat – the first publicly listed oil company in Nigeria.

To his credit, ABC Orjiako has years of credible experience as a successful entrepreneur, having first cut his professional teeth with Shebah E&P, an oil exploration company which later metamorphosed into Seplat Petroleum Development Company, becoming the first Nigerian company to take over operation of a Joint Venture asset from Shell, Total and Eni.

Given his vast international connections, Orjiako is a man whom many believe would be able to attract significant global investments to Nigeria.

He is also well-educated, a factor that would represent a clear departure from the previous grain of past leaders of Nigeria.

The only blot on Orjiako’s seemingly pristine record would be his misadventure with Seplat which has been embroiled in a long legal tussle with some commercial banks over alleged indebtedness and from which he is expected to stand down as Chairman in May 2022 after the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) when an independent chairperson will take over.

Leo Stan Ekeh:

for 2023 Presidential election

Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox

If there is one man who would receive unanimous acclaim, not only locally here in Nigeria but globally, as presidential material of Igbo extraction, it would be Leo Stan Ekeh. An internationally recognized tech guru, Leo Stan, as he is fondly called by his peers, is Chairman of the Zinox Group, a business conglomerate which has dominated the Nigerian and Sub-Saharan African technology ecosystem for many decades.

Ekeh is a man of few words but his legendary strides as a globally certified serial digital entrepreneur speaks volumes. He is also the brains behind the Konga Group, a flourishing e-commerce chain which he acquired, almost at the point of asphyxiation, from foreign owners but which, from feelers gathered, has been transformed by him and his team into a profitable entity and the beautiful bride of Nigerian and African e-commerce.

He also holds the enviable record of building many successful businesses in his chosen field of technology, all of which have greatly contributed in putting Nigeria on the map.

Most importantly, Ekeh has remained above reproach in his personal and business dealings, with informed sources describing him as one Nigerian businessman who has hardly taken any loans or been indebted to any banks, either here in Nigeria or abroad.

In addition, Ekeh is of the digital parish, a charismatic knowledge democracy promoter, a gender sensitive enthusiast, generous philantropist and a global citizen who is on first name terms with other global tech icons such as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Alibaba’s Jack Ma. His far-reaching connections and influence in technology, which today has become widely regarded as the determinant of the wealth of nations, are factors that further distinguish him, aligned to his selflessness, humane disposition and legendary humility. While the true measure or extent of Ekeh’s wealth remains a subject of conjecture – a point that can be attributed to the fact that he is not a noise maker – those in the know describe him as a man who is of a vastly firmer financial standing than some of the popular names in the Nigerian business space.

Also working in his favour is the fact that the Zinox Chairman has friends across boundaries in Nigeria, by virtue of his business dealings which have seen him deploy solutions or set up offices or stores across the nooks and crannies of the country.

This point is of critical importance as the new Nigeria requires a leader with a broad, national outlook.

The only downside in Ekeh’s resume is that he has never hidden the fact that he is not a politician, but this, in itself, can be considered a plus or positive as one can be assured that in Ekeh, Nigeria would not have a leader bogged down by the foibles or failings of traditional politics and its debilitating nuances.

Allen Onyema:

Allen Onyema for 2023 Presidential election

Allen Onyema or Airpeace

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema is yet another name out of the South East whom many believe has the credentials to lead Nigeria.

Onyema has made a success of Air Peace which he launched in 2013 and has continued to use the business to demonstrate his status as a responsible corporate citizen and a nationalist.

Onyema, through Air Peace, has consistently airlifted stranded Nigerians, notably during the lockdown imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and other countries. Also, other Nigerians stranded or set for deportation in some African countries such as Libya have enjoyed the benevolence of the Air Peace Chairman.

Onyema, a lawyer by training, is a man who has displayed keen business intelligence and aptitude, as demonstrated in the way he has taken Air Peace to the pinnacle of the highly competitive and capital-intensive airline industry.

His dedication to the Nigerian cause is not in doubt and while he may not be a career politician, Onyema’s entrepreneurial exploits and understanding of the challenging diversity of Nigeria certainly place him in good stead for the top job in the land. Perhaps, the only blot on his record is his alleged indictment for bank fraud and money laundering to the tune of $20 million by the United States government.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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British High Commissioner visits Anambra State, Reaffirms UK Support for Democratic Processes

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British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery at the Anambra Broadcasting Service
British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery at Anambra Broadcasting Service in Awka on Wednesday.

The British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, today concluded a two-day visit to Awka, Anambra State, engaging with key stakeholders ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election scheduled for 8 November 2025.

The High Commissioner met with Governor Charles Soludo, other gubernatorial candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, the state Commissioner of Police and civil society representatives.

The visit underscored the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic processes and highlighted the importance of peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

The High Commissioner emphasised that the UK does not endorse any candidate or political party but remains focused on supporting the electoral process itself.

Key themes discussed during the meetings included technical and logistical preparations to support 5,720 polling units across the state, the security situation across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, factors likely to affect voter turnout, and arrangements for observing the electoral process and polling day activities.

At the end of the visit, the British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, said:

“The UK supports Nigeria in conducting democratic contests in accordance with Nigerian law and the constitution.

“Our focus is solely on the electoral process itself – that it should be transparent, peaceful, inclusive and enjoy the confidence of the Anambra people. We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party.

“I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights and to engage peacefully in the election”.

The visit comes as part of the UK’s broader engagement with Nigerian democratic institutions in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The High Commissioner reinforced that violence has no place in the democratic process and that peaceful conduct benefits all stakeholders.

The UK remains committed to its partnership with Nigeria in supporting good governance, democratic institutions, and peaceful electoral processes across all levels of government.

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Why I Left PDP for APC – Governor Peter Mbah

…Says move is to align Enugu’s progress with national reforms under President Tinubu | Reports ORJI ISRAEL

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Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State
Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision marks “a new chapter for Enugu” and reflects “a conscious step towards a more compelling future.”

Governor Mbah made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a special address to the people of Enugu titled “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.”

He described the move as a product of long reflection and broad consultation, stressing that it was neither impulsive nor politically expedient but a “strategic alignment” designed to deepen Enugu’s transformation and secure federal partnership for the state’s long-term development.

A Moment of Reflection and Renewal

In his address, the governor began by expressing gratitude to God and the people of Enugu, noting that his journey so far had been anchored on trust and shared vision.

“At a time when confidence in political leaders had almost collapsed, Ndi Enugu chose to believe in us. When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here’, you put aside skepticism and stood by us. Without that trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened,” Mbah said.

He highlighted major achievements recorded under his administration in less than three years, including:

  • Smart Green Schools nearing completion across the state,
  • Primary healthcare centres established in all 260 wards,
  • Crime rate reduction by 80%,
  • Massive infrastructure projects, including over 1,000 km of paved roads,
  • AI-driven Command and Control Centre and 150 distress response vehicles,
  • Revamped water supply,
  • 600% growth in Internally Generated Revenue, and
  • Revitalized state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Nigergas.

He also noted that Enugu had earned national recognition as the Cleanest State in Nigeria, winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award.

Appreciation to PDP, But Time for Bold Choices

Governor Mbah commended the PDP for providing the platform that brought him to power, describing the party as “a house where Enugu had shared history, struggles, and victories.”

However, he emphasized that leadership sometimes demands “painful but necessary decisions” for the greater good.

“After long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the APC. This is no whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State — members of the National Assembly, House of Assembly, Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives,” Mbah explained.

He noted that despite Enugu’s longstanding loyalty to the PDP, “our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most,” necessitating a shift to a platform where the state’s interests would receive fairer representation.

Partnership for Progress with President Tinubu

Mbah said his decision to join the APC was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and courage to make tough choices for national transformation.”

“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just a leader of our nation, but a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow,” he said.

He praised the President’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which targets the empowerment of 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 electoral wards, saying it aligns with Enugu’s own grassroots-driven development model.

Mbah described his defection as “alignment at scale”, aimed at connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader economic and governance reforms driving Nigeria’s renewal.

“We are not moving from resentment or fear. We are confident of our future. This move is about fairness, respect, and partnership. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” he added.

Reassurance to Ndi Enugu and the South East

Addressing concerns about how the political shift might affect ongoing projects, the governor assured citizens that his commitment to the state’s development remained unwavering.

“The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. This is not a detour but a step toward a stronger, more connected Enugu,” he affirmed.

He also called on the political class across the South East to prioritize service delivery and regional interest over partisan loyalty.

“Our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self,” he said.

A Call for Unity and Shared Vision

Governor Mbah ended his address with a call for unity, urging Ndi Enugu to rally behind the administration’s vision as the state embarks on a new political and developmental trajectory.

“Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Enugu – and the Nigeria – that our children deserve. Tomorrow is here,” he concluded.

Background

Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and public policy expert, was elected governor of Enugu State under the platform of the PDP in 2023. His administration’s Tomorrow is Here agenda focuses on technology-driven governance, industrialization, education reform, and fiscal expansion.

His defection to the APC marks a major political realignment in the South East, with implications for the region’s relationship with the federal government and the 2027 political landscape.

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New Enugu Group Throws Weight Behind Mbah’s Defection to APC

…Says move will connect Enugu to national development grid | By ORJI ISRAEL

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R-l: President Bola Tinubu and governor Peter Mbah Both of APC

A prominent socio-political group in Enugu State, New Enugu Group, has declared total support for Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a bold and strategic step towards linking the state to the centre for greater development opportunities.

Speaking to journalists at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on Tuesday, during the official ceremony where President Bola Tinubu, alongside members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and other party stalwarts, presented the party’s flag to Governor Mbah, the convener of the group, Barr. Henry Okeke, commended the governor for what he called a “visionary and courageous decision.”

Okeke noted that the development signaled a decisive break from the past and the beginning of a new political era in Enugu State. He said the governor’s transition to the ruling party would unlock federal attention and investments long denied the state.

“We’re declaring full support for our capacity governor and an icon of the New Enugu State, as he takes this bold, wise, courageous, and historic step to connect our dear state to the Progressives Government at the centre,” Okeke said, adding that “We align fully with His Excellency in this new dawn.”

The group further assured that its members, spread across the 260 electoral wards of the state, would remain steadfast in their support for the Mbah administration.

“We reiterate our commitment and confidence in his leadership. We have activated our structures across the state to mobilize for the governor under the APC. His achievements in just two years have been unprecedented, and we are confident that with this alignment, Enugu will witness more jobs, more opportunities, and accelerated development,” Okeke added.

He further expressed optimism that the governor’s defection to the APC would strengthen the state’s political relevance and ensure the delivery of more democratic dividends to the people.

Governor Mbah had earlier in the day officially announced Enugu State’s transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a colourful event witnessed by a massive crowd of supporters.

The governor, in his remarks, explained that the move followed growing pressure from the people of the state, who urged him to connect the state to the national grid of governance to enable greater federal collaboration and development.

The event, which attended by several APC national leaders, governors, stakeholders, former PDP stakeholders both in at the state and national levels, was described as a watershed moment in the political history of Enugu State by speakers at the rally.

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