Katchi Ononuju: “If Power Shifted to the South and Peter Obi Won, Things Would Be Better”

Katchi Ononuju, a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently emphasized the urgent need for a strong opposition to ensure the health of Nigeria’s democracy. In a conversation with reporters, he attributed the weakness of the country’s democratic process to the ambitions of Atiku Abubakar, a leading PDP figure and former presidential candidate.

His comments come as concerns grow about the opposition parties’ lack of effectiveness and unity in the complex political landscape of Nigeria.Speaking to the Daily Post, Ononuju stressed that a thriving democracy depends on a dynamic opposition.

He stated, “This isn’t about individuals; it’s about protecting our democracy. For it to succeed, a strong opposition is crucial, and currently, that doesn’t exist.”Ononuju particularly criticized Abubakar for not supporting a Southern candidate like Peter Obi in the last election.

He argued that if Abubakar had chosen to promote unity and back a candidate from the South, it would have led to a more balanced political environment. “Had he allowed the presidency to shift to the South and supported Peter Obi, the political landscape would be in a better state,” Ononuju remarked, suggesting that Obi’s leadership could have brought greater fairness to Nigerian politics.

Ononuju also touched on Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, dismissing any potential presidential aspirations Wike might have. He questioned Wike’s loyalty to the PDP, pointing to his long-standing ties with President Bola Tinubu.

“Wike has been working with Tinubu since 2018 and even blocked Amaechi’s candidate from succeeding in 2019,” Ononuju said, implying that Wike’s political actions have consistently aligned with Tinubu’s interests rather than the PDP’s.