IMSU VC Raises Fresh Debate on Igbo Presidency, Alleges Systemic Exclusion; Ohanaeze Calls for Unity and Political Strategy

By Praise Chinecherem

The Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, has stirred national conversation after alleging that deep-seated political perceptions and fears have continued to hinder the emergence of an Igbo president in Nigeria, despite what he described as the region’s strong political and intellectual capacity.

Prof. Chukwumaeze made the remarks on Tuesday during the 12th Chief Dr. Chidozie Ogbalu Memorial Lecture held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, where scholars, political leaders, and stakeholders gathered to discuss “The Place of the Igbo Race in Nigeria.”

According to him, the inability of the South-East to produce Nigeria’s president over the years is not due to lack of competence or ambition, but a persistent fear among other regions that Ndigbo may seek to disengage from the country if given the opportunity to lead at the highest level.

He argued that this perception has created an informal barrier in national politics, which he described as a “design” to exclude the Igbo from the presidency.

“They want us to be part of Nigeria, but they don’t want us to smell power,” he said, adding that some sections of the country still harbor doubts about the commitment of Ndigbo to national unity.

He maintained that the civil war had long ended and that Ndigbo have been fully reintegrated into the Nigerian federation, stressing that what is now required is sustained reassurance and trust-building.

“All we need do is to assure them that we’ve accepted to live in Nigeria,” he said. “They should allow us a taste of the presidency, and we’re promising that we will work for the betterment of the country and we will not run away.”

The IMSU VC further advised Ndigbo to adopt more strategic behavioral and political approaches that demonstrate commitment to national unity, arguing that perception plays a critical role in political inclusion at the highest level.

“I advise our Igbo brothers to put on those behaviors that will enable our brothers from other regions and tribes to know that we have accepted to be part and parcel of Nigeria,” he stated. “If we do not do that, they will never have confidence in allowing us into the core ultimate leadership of the country.”

Also speaking at the event, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, emphasized the importance of political diplomacy and inter-ethnic engagement in achieving greater national inclusion for the Igbo.

Represented by Prof. Ngozi Chukwukere, Azuta-Mbata stressed that Ndigbo must actively reach out to other ethnic groups and build alliances if they are to succeed in national politics.

“It’s important for Ndigbo to reach out to other tribes. If we must get into serious national politics, we can’t stay alone. Power is rotational. Hence the need for diplomacy and strategizing,” he said, while also urging unity and internal cohesion among the Igbo themselves.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, described the memorial lecture series as timely and intellectually significant, noting its relevance to ongoing national discussions about identity, representation, and equity.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma, he commended the Igbo Studies department for sustaining the lecture series, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Ogbalu family in keeping the academic tradition alive.

Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Prof. Nkoli Nnyigide, said the lecture provided an important platform for intellectual engagement on the role and contributions of the Igbo race within the Nigerian federation.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, including Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, Ohanaeze PG Senator John Azuta-Mbata, traditional ruler Igwe M.C. Ngene of Nibo, former UNIZIK Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilochi Okafor, IMSU VC Prof. Chukwumaeze, Chief Ikenna Okafor, and Dr. Chinedum Oformata, among others.

The lecture has since sparked renewed debate on inclusion, equity, and the long-standing question of Igbo participation in Nigeria’s highest political office.