by Seyi Clement
That HE Charles Soludo has an aversion to HE Peter Obi’s presidential aspiration is nothing new, and his right to such aversion cannot be denied. That HE Charles Soludo is a Tinubu apologist is also undeniable. I respect his right to support whomever his heart desires. Paradoxically, but as an aside, this leaves us with a chicken and egg situation. Is Soludo’s support for Tinubu because of his aversion to HE Peter Obi’s political aspiration? I tend to believe that that is the case.
The subject of this article is HE Soludo’s statement at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, where some Ndigbo leaders gathered to endorse BAT’s 2nd term ambition. In the course of the gathering, Soludo advised Ndigbo to align themselves fully with Tinubu, arguing that rather than missing the “cow” entirely, it is wiser to cut and preserve the “tail”. This metaphor has weighty in implication and has since become the centre of intense reflection.
At first, I was minded not to comment on this issue, being a non-Ndigbo, but on reflection as a Nigerian, I thought was necessary to comment as his advice affects at least 30% of Nigerians who are Ndigbo and my principal HE Peter Obi.
When perverse ideas like these are publicly advanced, especially on matters touching the collective consciousness of a people generally, and by implication, my principal, they inevitably become subjects of wider philosophical scrutiny. Such metaphor, from a recognised leader of the Ndigbo community cannot be brushed aside.
At first glance it would appear that Soludo is suggesting that Ndigbo should aspire for something less than the presidency; this is a weighty statement from a supposed leader of Ndigbo. It therefore begs the question: is this an exposé of HE Soludo’s belief in the position of the Ndigbo in the political machinations of Nigeria?
Some have argued that HE Soludo was misunderstood. They argued that he was only saying what other Governors, particularly that of Delta and Akwa Idom have said about aligning with the centre. They argued that he was only arguing that the Ndigbo should align with BAT for 2027 to ensure a better representation in this government or a better share of the dividend of democracy for the region.
With due respect to those sprouting these narratives, I believe that this statement is surreptitiously self-serving and was made with 2039 in view. I believe that Soludo has presidential aspirations come 2039. I believe that Soludo is conscious of the fact that if Peter Obi wins the 2027 elections, his 2039 agenda will vanish like a puff of smoke. The SE may not have the opportunity for the presidency again until 2051 at the earliest, when he will be at least 90 years old, by which time, the sun will have set on Soludo’s political career. Soludo is fighting to keep his 2039 aspirations alive, and his support for Tinubu must be seen in that light. His support for Tinubu is predicated on his expectation of a political quid pro quo from the Tinubu structure and/or the SW for his 2039 aspiration. He is calculating that the SW will reward his support for Tinubu against another Ndigbo when the 2039 machination comes around.
Soludo does not believe that Ndigbo deserves only the “tail” in Nigeria’s political gamesmanship, this will go against his own 2039 aspiration, when he will be going for the entire “cow”. It is simply an opportunistic position to take in view of the high probability of Peter Obi’s victory in 2027. Soludo’s political 2039 aspiration is solely dependent on Peter Obi’s failure at the polls in 2027, and the brighter the chances of Peter Obi’s victory, the more vociferous Soludo’s vitriol will become, so get ready for more.
Seyi Clement
LL.B, BL, PgD
NDC Candidate: House of Representatives – Surulere 2