Obiozor, who was elected to serve as the governor of Imo State in 2020, passed away on Wednesday from an unspecified illness.
The NIF's recommendation followed rumoured moves by the Imo State Government to announce Obiozor's replacement.
In a statement issued yesterday by NIF's National President, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, the organisation advised against any hasty decision on the successor of the late Ohanaeze leader and urged the idea's proponents to avoid it until there is a duly convened gathering of Ohanaeze.
The statement reads as follows: "NIF, an affiliate body of Ohanaeze, after extensive consultations with other prominent Igbo leaders, including past Ohanaeze National Executive Council (NEC) members, strongly advise that the alignment, agreement, and adoption of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the 2023 presidential election by the Ohanaeze, led by late Obiozor, Afenifere, led by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Pan-
"While we reflect on the loss of Obiozor, we advise the Secretary-General, the NEC of Ohanaeze, and the five governors of the South East states to show prudence and restraint in declaring a replacement until a fully consulted and constituted Imeobi of Ohanaeze is in place."
The statement asked Ndigbo, especially those living in Nigeria and primarily in the South East, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and be prepared to vote in the 2023 General Elections, stating that the exercise would serve as a litmus test for the country's continuing unity.
(Source: guardian.ng)
