By BONIFACE AKARAH

A socio-political group in Ebonyi State, Oganivu Ohanivo, has endorsed Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for the 2027 presidential election, declaring its support ahead of Obi’s campaign town hall in Abakaliki.

The group made its position known in a statement dated October 29, 2026, signed by its spokesperson, Uneke Anayo, alongside representatives from Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo local government areas.

Oganivu Ohanivo, which describes itself as a group of patriots from the Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, said it arrived at its decision after examining the leadership records and manifestos of the presidential candidates.

It described Obi as a candidate with integrity, compassion and the capacity to lead the country, citing his proposed investments in primary healthcare, education, digital technology and agriculture.

The group said, “His commitment towards making at least 10,000 primary health care facilities fully functional, improving the quality of education, enhancing access to digital technology, and increasing food production through massive investment in agriculture have endeared him to us.”

It also praised Obi’s economic agenda, particularly his emphasis on moving Nigeria from consumption to production, creating jobs for young people and supporting small businesses.

On his record as Anambra State governor, the group said Obi demonstrated prudence in managing public resources and prioritised sectors such as education, healthcare and security.

The statement added, “Mr. Peter Obi has proven to be the most prudent leader in the history of Nigerian politics. As the governor of Anambra state, he drastically cut down on the cost of governance and channelled the state resources to the most needed areas such as basic education, healthcare, security, etc. Peter Obi remains the only governor in the history of Nigerian politics who saved millions of dollars for the future of the state, contrary to the culture of debt accumulation that is common among Nigerian politicians.”

Oganivu Ohanivo further argued that Nigeria’s economic and security challenges made the choice of the next president particularly important. It blamed the current administration for what it described as corruption and negligence, citing inflation, poverty, inadequate healthcare, out-of-school children and insecurity affecting farmers.

The group maintained that Obi had consistently subjected himself to public scrutiny and claimed that no case of corruption or misappropriation of public funds had been brought against him after his eight years as Anambra governor.

It also said residents of the constituency overwhelmingly supported Obi in the 2023 election and were prepared to do so again in 2027.

The group declared, “We declare affirmatively that ndi Ohanivo are strongly with Mr Peter Obi and Dr. R.M Kwankwaso and are actively supporting their candidacy. Any person or group saying the opposite are speaking for themselves and do not represent the dominant opinion of the intelligent people of Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo (Ohanivo).”

The statement listed the ten major clans in the constituency as Abaomege, Akaeze, Ishiagu, Isu, Okposi, Onicha, Oshiri, Uburu, Ugwulangwu and Ukawu.

The group also warned against attempts by politicians to intimidate or influence the political choices of residents, insisting that the people of Ohanivo were capable of deciding who should lead the country.

It particularly criticised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and some of his political associates, accusing them of attempting to dictate the political direction of the constituency.

The group challenged Umahi over the condition of the Agbani-Nara-Isu-Onicha-Okposi (F113) federal road, which it described as the most important federal road in the area.

“We advise you to focus on your job and stop embarrassing yourself and our people with disgusting utterances you make on national television. A federal minister of works from Ohanivo who has failed to reconstruct the most important federal road in our area – the Agbani-Nara-Isu-Onicha-Okposi (F113) road should be ashamed. He who lives in a glass house should not throw stones,” the statement said.

Oganivu Ohanivo urged residents of the constituency to attend Obi’s campaign town hall scheduled for October 29 at Citi-Hub, Abakaliki.

The statement was also endorsed by Comrade Solomon Okorie, representing Ohaozara Local Government Area; Dr. Agwu Nwogo, representing Onicha; and Mr. Tony Ajah, representing Ivo.

The group concluded by expressing confidence in Obi’s presidential ambition, declaring that “a new Nigeria is Possible”.