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As political activities ahead of the 2027 general election begin to gather momentum, the Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has reignited debate over former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s past remarks on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), demanding a clear and unambiguous position from the presidential hopeful.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Hafiz Garba, the group expressed concern that Obi has yet to publicly retract or clarify comments he made in 2017 rejecting the Federal Government’s classification of IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
The Assembly recalled that during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on October 1, 2017, Obi openly disagreed with the Federal Government’s designation of IPOB, insisting that members of the group were not terrorists.
According to the group, Obi had stated: “The only thing I disagree with is naming IPOB terrorist. They are not terrorists. I stay in Onitsha, and I can tell you that they are people I pass on the road every day. I meet and live with them.”
Nearly a decade after the statement was made, the Northern Youth Assembly noted that no formal retraction or definitive clarification has been issued by the former Anambra State governor, leaving what it described as “lingering questions” in the minds of many Nigerians.
The group observed that the issue resurfaced during the 2023 presidential election campaign and remains a subject of intense public interest, particularly among citizens who view national security as a critical measure of leadership.
With the 2027 presidential race gradually taking shape, the Assembly argued that candidates seeking the nation’s highest office must clearly articulate their positions on terrorism, violent extremism and issues affecting national unity.
“Does Peter Obi consider IPOB a terrorist organisation or not?” the group asked, insisting that a direct response would help Nigerians make informed decisions as the next election cycle approaches.
While acknowledging Obi’s repeated emphasis on economic reforms, governance and national development, the Assembly stressed that security concerns remain equally important and should not be left open to interpretation.
The youth body said its intervention was aimed at promoting issue-based politics and constructive national dialogue rather than partisan attacks, adding that Nigerians deserve clarity from all presidential aspirants on matters of national importance.
As debates over security and governance continue to shape the political landscape, the Assembly maintained that Obi’s position on IPOB remains a legitimate question that requires a straightforward answer ahead of the 2027 contest.
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