The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has tackled Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide over a recent statement credited to the Secretary of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isuguzoro, to the effect that there will be no peace in the country except Igbo Presidency is supported by the North.

In a statement made available to Blueprint in Abuja, Wednesday, signed by NEF’s Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF said that Northern voters will not be stampeded or threatened by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to vote for a particularly candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

According to the statement, Mazi Isiguzoro singled out the North as a bastion of ethnic and religious politics while he unashamedly campaigns for Igbo presidency, complete with the threat that Nigeria will not be secured and united unless an Igbo President emerges.

The Northern Elders Forum therefore maintains that Nigerians and Northerners will not be impressed or blackmailed into making choices that are not informed by their own interests, alleging that the apex Igbo organization is virtually subverting one of its own, and blaming the rest of the country for postures of political candidates.

NEF therefore appeals to leaders, elders and entire Nigerians to show maturity and leadership as the country embark on campaigns that are in themselves fraught with threats and dangers, saying that the democratic system does not operate on the basis of threats and blackmail, and that Nigerians should be prepared to support and vote for any candidates  of  their choices next year.