Hon Greg Egu, who served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, has made a compelling appeal for unity among Nigerian political leaders. Addressing journalists at his country home in Umuohiagu, Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State, Egu called on Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party to set aside their differences and join forces for the 2027 presidential election. According to Egu, such a coalition could significantly disrupt the political landscape.
He emphasized, “Atiku and Obi should go and figure themselves out because if they combine, they will cause an upstage rather than contest separately.” Egu’s concern stems from his view that the quality of politics in Nigeria has deteriorated, focusing more on financial influence rather than the character and credibility of candidates.
Egu expressed dismay at the current state of Nigerian elections, accusing them of being manipulated through financial might and systemic corruption. “Elections are being rigged, and people are appointed into positions as against elected. If something doesn’t happen, Nigeria is doomed,” he lamented, suggesting a dire future for democracy in Nigeria if these practices continue unchecked.
He also critiqued the broader political culture where personal gain overshadows community development, stating, “Credibility, character of persons don’t matter anymore to the political class. Party members don’t care about development of the people and communities, they just want to fill their pockets. I believe we should weigh people by their character and not financial chest.”
Turning to local politics in Imo State, Egu criticized the representation by elected officials, including the governor, for being largely absent and not serving the interests of their constituents. He questioned the effectiveness of the Imo Charter of Equity, arguing against any charter shaped by self-interest groups. Instead, he advocated for community-driven decisions, particularly in Ngor Okpala and the broader Owerri zone, to pursue their political goals unitedly.
Egu concluded by highlighting the demographic advantage of the Owerri zone, which, despite having fewer local government areas than the Orlu zone, has a significant population that could influence the gubernatorial race if mobilized correctly. His call for strategic unity among political figures like Atiku and Obi, and his critique of current political practices, underscore a plea for a return to politics driven by integrity and genuine public service.
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