According to Okeke-Ogene, Atiku has lost the region's support due to his role in eliminating zoning within his party. As a result of the PDP's decision to throw open its presidential nomination, Atiku emerged as the party's candidate.
Okeke-Ogene stated that the former Vice President would have been considered a hero if he had backed the Southeast rotation. He stated that Atiku should have viewed the 2023 election as repayment for the sacrifices made by Ndigbo in the 2019 election.
Okeke-Ogene stated, "If conscience is any indication, the two major political parties could not have fielded candidates from any other region but Southeast. Igbos are being harassed by Buhari since they voted 95% for Atiku in his last election. What Obasanjo and others are doing today is what we expected from our brother-in-law Atiku.
Therefore, it is unwise to vote based on emotions." Atiku would have been aware that the entire Southeast had sacrificed their votes and interest for him, and that they view this election as a moment for payback. Because we voted for him based on zoning, he would not have planned and funded the anti-zoning campaign. Atiku would have been the greatest hero of our time if he had championed the Southeast's cause at the forefront. "However, if Atiku loses this election, he will go to his grave as an unrepentant individual.
I'm sorry to use that word, but it's unfortunate." Regarding the likelihood of Obi receiving the votes of Southeast voters, he stated, "Southeast Governors are five individuals with five votes each. Having a family of five, I am entitled to five votes.
I can’t even guarantee that all of them will join me to vote for my candidate. “ The same way the votes of the governors belong to them. They may decide to vote for the Labour Party or another party. No longer do individuals say, "Leave the entire Southeast to me to deliver; it's a joke!" We have evolved to the point where you cannot drag people like cattle.
Even the cow of today is resisting. Since I have served Ohaneze for the past 27 years, I am aware of people's odour and innuendo. They are voting for Obi not because he is Igbo, but because he is a Nigerian project. Obi's national acceptance is unprecedented in Nigerian history; not even Zik and Ojukwu received a similar handshake across Niger. However, he is extending more than a handshake. We even anticipate a handshake in Africa.
"The Igbos have voted for every tribe and zone in this country. Therefore, others, including Obasanjo, speak for us. They appreciate our efforts and recognise their authenticity. They are prepared to bear our burden."
