"Igbos Not Ready for Presidency," Ned Nwoko Says, Suggests Peter Obi Better Suited as Economy Minister

 

Ned Nwoko: Peter Obi More Fitting for Economy Minister, Not Presidency

Prominent Nigerian businessman and politician, Prince Ned Nwoko, has stirred controversy with his recent assessment of Peter Obi’s political trajectory, asserting that while the former Anambra governor has admirable economic insight, he lacks the political machinery and national readiness—especially from the Southeast—to clinch Nigeria’s top job.

During a media chat that has since sparked reactions across various political quarters, Nwoko said Obi would be a strong asset as a Minister of Economy or Finance, but he fell short of the demands required to become Nigeria’s President. According to him, Nigeria’s political environment still operates on deeply rooted structural alliances, regional networks, and broad-based national appeal—elements he suggests are not yet fully present in Obi's political toolkit.

“Peter Obi is a brilliant man, no doubt. I admire his knowledge on economic matters. He would perform excellently as Minister of Economy,” Nwoko stated candidly. “But when it comes to presidential politics in Nigeria, it’s not just about competence. You need structure. You need alignment. You need readiness, and sadly, I don't think the Igbos, as a bloc, are quite prepared for that battle.”

Such a statement is bound to draw strong emotional responses, especially given the long-standing calls for power to rotate to the Southeast. Many in the region view Obi as a beacon of hope—a rare political figure who embodies integrity, accountability, and technocratic skill in an era when many distrust conventional politicians.

Nwoko’s argument hinges not on Obi’s individual capabilities, which he openly praises, but rather on the larger sociopolitical context that determines electoral outcomes in Nigeria. The absence of what he described as “deep-rooted party structure” and an enduring national coalition, he argues, is a fatal weakness for any presidential hopeful, regardless of credentials.

"Obi entered the presidential race with passion and fire, yes, but passion alone does not win you Aso Rock. You must have a system that extends into every ward, every LGA, every ethnic group. You must have financial muscle and a support base that cuts across the entire political spectrum. The Labour Party did well in urban areas, but that’s not enough.”

Beyond Obi’s personal prospects, Nwoko raised a larger and more sensitive issue—the political readiness of the Igbo people to produce a president. He argued that unlike the North, which operates with a level of political centrality and unity, or the Southwest, which has cultivated political structures over decades, the Southeast remains fragmented and lacks a unified strategy.

His statement, “Igbos are not ready for presidency,” has already triggered heated discourse, both online and offline. While some agree with his analysis, citing the political divisions and internal rivalries within the Southeast, others view the statement as reductive and unfair, especially when applied to an entire ethnic group with rich contributions to national development.

Nwoko, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is no stranger to bold political declarations. As a former House of Representatives member and advocate for youth empowerment and regional development, he has often taken firm positions on Nigeria’s governance challenges. But this recent comment could potentially strain relationships with pro-Obi supporters, especially the younger demographic who rallied around the Labour Party in the 2023 elections.

Obi’s campaign had gained remarkable momentum among Nigeria’s youth, civil society actors, and members of the diaspora, largely due to his austere lifestyle and message of economic prudence. Still, the electoral result exposed the uphill task of overcoming entrenched political dynasties and national-level political mobilization.

Observers note that while Obi's campaign brought new energy and issues-based discourse to Nigerian politics, Nwoko’s comments are a stark reminder of the realities that still govern political success in the country—chiefly, structure, regional consensus, and cross-party alliances.

As the dust continues to settle from Nigeria’s last general elections, the question remains: what next for Peter Obi and the Southeast’s political aspirations? Is ministerial appointment the most viable path to national influence, or does the movement that sprang around him have enough staying power to reshape the old political order?

For now, Nwoko’s words have reignited a familiar debate—one that cuts deep into Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, ethnic relations, and the delicate balance between meritocracy and machinery in the pursuit of power.