Ndigbo must change strategy to produce president, says Okorocha

Written by Sam Egburonu

Ndigbo must change strategy to produce president, says Okorocha

THE Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has urged Ndigbo to change strategy and be more business-like to produce the president in 2015. Okorocha, in an interview, denied insinuations that the Igbo race is being alienated from the 2015 presidential race.

According to him: “Nigerians are not alienating the South-East from that race instead Ndigbo are alienating themselves from the race.

“They have not developed enough confidence in pursuing the cause. They have not taken it as a business.”

The governor, who contested for the highest office, advised Ndigbo to work towards presenting a capable candidate instead of banking on the appeal of marginalisation.

He noted that marginalisation against the Igbo race is true but may not persuade others to concede the presidency to the region.

“Nobody can donate presidency to you because you are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba,” he said, adding that it is the quality of the candidate that will convince voters.

Okorocha said the crisis within the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was only temporary, explaining that the leaders of the party are working hard to resolve it.

He also denied insinuations that his relationship with Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has gone sour.

”I am very close to Obi. He is a brother to me. I also accord him the honour of being in APGA before me. I am just a newcomer. All I do is to give advice.”

On the allegation that APGA cannot produce a presidential candidate in 2015, Okorocha said: “Every political party has the right to produce a presidential candidate. So, nobody can deny any party that right. Any party that is not able to produce a presidential candidate should be de-registered.”

Sam Egburonu, is the Associate Editor of The Nation. This article first appeared at The Nation.