Enugu, Nigeria – Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, appears unwavering in its support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Peter Obi, despite the bashing it has received from supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate.

Apart from Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, who allegedly abused Ohanaeze President General, John Nnia Nwodo (Jnr.), over the Atiku/Obi endorsement, top South East APC leaders, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani; Senator Chris Ngige; Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha; Sullivan Chime; Geoffrey Onyeama, and Osita Okechukwu have also reprimanded Ohanaeze for the endorsement.

But Ohanaeze on Monday faulted some of the commentaries from politicians over the endorsement, describing them as unbecoming, raw, and pedestrian.

In a statement by Chuks Ibegbu, the organisation’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze said since the issue of adoption of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi for the 2019 presidential election, it had noticed positive and negative commentaries and press releases by those who support or oppose the endorsement, which shows the beauty of democracy.

Ibegbu, however, warned that the issue must not be allowed to torpedo Igbo collective interest in Nigeria.

He said: “Some of the commentaries are unbecoming and pedestrian, and the language raw.

“Whether we are for or against the decision, the approach has to be civil; after all, our concern is the wellbeing of Ndigbo and Nigerians.

“Ohanaeze’s position has always been that we would support presidential candidates ready to restructure Nigeria. I am aware that promises can be made and not kept but at least its better made than not made.

“There is no single approach to this issue but that must not be allowed to create rumpus in Igbo polity.

“There are many routes to Arochukwu and the basic aim is actually to get to Arochukwu, no matter the route followed.

“The ultimate is that whoever finally wins the presidency, Ndigbo should get their fair share in Nigeria.”

Ibegbu, therefore, warned those fanning the embers of disunity in Igbo land over the matter, and appealed to them to sheathe their swords.

He called on all the candidates to go to the field and win their votes.

Ibegbu said Ohanaeze was never divided and would never be, and that all Igbo, irrespective of party affiliation, belong to it.

“Yet, the group has the moral duty to protect the political interest of Ndigbo, too,” he said.