The apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, against relying solely on his connections with northern elites in any alleged merger talks ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze expressed surprise and scrutiny over Obi’s recent political activities, which have hinted at potential opposition party alignments aimed at unseating President Tinubu in 2027.

“Observers have closely monitored the subtle political trajectory of Mr Obi over the past nine months, particularly in the core North-West and North-East regions, where he has strategic humanitarian initiatives with political intentions to garner broader northern acceptance and articulate his vision for the upcoming presidential elections,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze noted that Obi’s community projects, scholarship grants, and participation in Muslim ceremonies have been perceived as steps to fortify his political stature in the North ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, the group offered a sobering voice of caution to Obi regarding the inherent risks and uncertainties that accompany his relentless pursuit of Northern connections.

“The Northern political establishment, religious scholars, and traditional institutions harbour reservations towards Mr Obi for several notable reasons,” the statement said.

“Ohanaeze implores him to glean wisdom from the poignant lessons of history, specifically the disenchanting experiences of past Igbo presidential candidates who pinned their hopes on Northern endorsement,” the statement added, referencing the experiences of Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, Chuba Okadigbo, among others.

The group emphasised the importance of engaging the North through a framework of regional collaboration rather than individualistic endeavours.

“It is paramount for Mr Obi and prospective Igbo presidential contenders to internalise these historical narratives and engage the North through a framework of regional collaboration rather than individualistic endeavours,” the statement concluded.

On Monday, Obi met with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku made the meeting known on his X handle.

Atiku tweeted, “It was my honour and privilege to host #PeterObi today.”

Similarly, Obi met with the former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido and the former President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki at their homes in Abuja.