August 2, 2025 | By Jonathan
Retired Major General Ijioma Nwokoro has cautioned former Anambra State governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi against returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move allegedly being pushed by certain political stakeholders. The retired military officer also used the opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s failure to fully reconcile and integrate the Igbo community, 55 years after the civil war ended.
Why the Warning to Peter Obi?
General Ijioma stated that any attempt to lure Obi back to the PDP would be a betrayal of the hope and trust placed in him by millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth and the Igbo community, during the 2023 general elections.
“Peter Obi represents a new political awakening. Returning to the PDP, after the movement he inspired, would undo years of effort to break away from politics-as-usual,” Ijioma remarked.
The Igbo Question: 55 Years After the Civil War
The retired General highlighted Nigeria’s inability to fully integrate the Igbo community following the 1967–1970 civil war. He noted that structural imbalances and deliberate exclusion from strategic federal positions have persisted over the decades, leaving many Igbos feeling alienated.
“Fifty-five years after the guns went silent, we still see policies and practices that sideline an entire ethnic group. True reconciliation is not just about ending conflict—it is about justice, equality, and inclusion,” he said.
Historical Context
The Nigerian civil war, often referred to as the Biafra War, left scars that have yet to heal. While successive governments have made overtures of unity, calls for secession and complaints of marginalization still surface periodically, especially in the southeast region.
Political analysts argue that issues like unequal representation in security agencies, economic disparities, and limited infrastructural development in Igbo land have fueled these sentiments.
Peter Obi and the New Political Movement
Peter Obi’s candidacy in the 2023 general election under the Labour Party was seen by many as a shift towards merit-driven politics and away from ethnically dominated structures. His campaign drew unprecedented support from youths, technocrats, and diaspora communities who yearned for transparency and accountability in governance.
General Ijioma’s warning underscores a growing sentiment that Obi should build on that momentum rather than return to old political establishments.
The Way Forward
General Ijioma called for:
Genuine reconciliation efforts that go beyond rhetoric.
Economic empowerment programs in the southeast.
Equitable appointments of Igbos in security, economic, and political positions.
A political culture that prioritizes merit and inclusion rather than ethnic or party loyalty.
Conclusion
Major General Ijioma’s remarks reflect a deep-seated frustration with Nigeria’s slow progress on national integration and equity. Whether Peter Obi heeds the call and stays with his current political base—or chooses to return to the PDP—may have a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape and the future of Igbo inclusion in Nigerian politics.
