2015 and the Igbo vote

Posted by Felix Okoli on Friday September 21, 2012 at 16:5:55:

It is most likely that whoever the Igbos vote for massively in 2015 will win to become the next president of Nigeria.

Over many years of Democratic rule, the Igbo vote has always being significant although most Ndgibo have not always voted decidedly for a single candidate as a group as Igbo votes had been maneuvered by politicians and money during previous elections. However, it was not until the last Presidential election through which Jonathan Goodluck became President did Ndigbo vote most unitedly. It goes to show that when Ndigbo unite as a single voice, their votes are mostly effective.

How will the Igbo vote affect the 2015 Presidential and general election? Well the Igbo vote is more passionately linked to the ruling party when it comes to Presidential election and then for other parties when it comes to local elections. Due to the growing sense of unity and political comeback, Ndigbo seem to be more likely to vote along ethnic lines when it comes to upcoming elections. Igbos are getting more united due to the growing level of insecurity against them and the threat of racial extinction by other tribes.

Many influential personalities and socio-cultural groups have given their voice for the need to have an Igbo President as at the next Presidential election and this seems to be gathering some momentum.

Ndgbo's major hurdle to the 2015 presidential ticket seems to be the current president's ambition. There is the Jonathan factor which is an incumbent factor. Will Jonathan run again in 2015? If Jonathan does, it may weaken the Igbo vote since he also enjoys support from Ndigbo being from the Eastern Region.

Ndigbo have already started organizing political rallies, public events and making public statements about their desire to serve Nigeria in that number 1 capacity. It has been a long time since an Igbo was given the opportunity to become president. Now, more than ever, Ndigbo are waiting to cast their votes en mass for an Igbo candidate.