The Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation (IHIF) has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to adopt former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as their consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The group made the call in a statement endorsed by its National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, describing Obi as the candidate it believes possesses the competence, integrity and leadership qualities needed to steer Nigeria.
IHIF said Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State demonstrated his ability to manage public resources prudently and maintain fiscal discipline.
“The record speaks for itself. Peter Obi left office with no debt burden on the state, cleared outstanding obligations, paid salaries, pensions, gratuities, contractors and other liabilities, and still handed over substantial savings to his successor,” the group said.
According to the foundation, Anambra remained financially stable during Obi’s tenure despite the dependence of several states on federal interventions and bailout funds at the time.
The group argued that Nigeria requires similar financial discipline and administrative competence to tackle its current economic and security challenges.
IHIF also made a case for greater political representation of the South-East, noting that the region has not produced an elected president since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
“For decades, the Igbo people have supported presidential candidates from other regions in the spirit of national cohesion. We believe the time has come for other regions to reciprocate that gesture by supporting a credible South-East candidate. That candidate is Peter Obi,” it said.
The foundation further cited Obi’s experience in business, arguing that it could help him move Nigeria away from what it described as a consumption-driven economy towards one focused on production, agriculture, industrialisation and value creation.
IHIF stressed that its endorsement was not solely an Igbo agenda, urging Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines to consider supporting Obi.
“We firmly believe he is the leader best positioned to rescue Nigeria from its present economic difficulties and prevent the country from sliding further into debt, poverty and institutional decline,” the group added.
The endorsement comes as opposition parties and political stakeholders continue discussions over possible alliances and strategies ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
