South-East Leaders Told: Stop the Insults on Obi, Protect the Region's Political Power

A bold call has gone out to political actors in Nigeria's South-East: drop the personal attacks on Peter Obi and focus on what truly matters, the region's collective strength. Denge Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, a former Enugu State lawmaker and ex-South-East spokesman for the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, is not holding back.

In a statement released in Abuja, Onoh warned that recent public spats involving Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Minister of Works David Umahi are a dangerous distraction. Political differences are fine, he argues, but publicly tearing down the region's own frontline figures for short-term gains is a recipe for disaster.

Why Protecting Peter Obi Matters for the South-East

Onoh is clear: Peter Obi is not just any politician. He is a major national brand with appeal that stretches far beyond the South-East. According to Onoh, since the days of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, no figure from the region has built such wide, organic national acceptance.

“To systematically attempt to diminish him for cheap, temporary glory is to devalue the region's own currency,” Onoh said. He insists that undermining a leading politician reduces the collective bargaining power of the entire group, a lesson other major political blocs in Nigeria have long understood.

“We Must Look at the Broader Political Matrix”

Onoh is urging leaders to see the bigger picture. He warned that without a cohesive and mutually respectful front, the South-East risks becoming “political nomads,” individually successful but without a stable anchor in national affairs. He did not shy away from history, pointing to those who betrayed regional solidarity for temporary external patronage.

“History does not lie. Look closely at those who historically betrayed regional cohesion or targeted their own frontline figures to curry temporary favour with external interests.”

He argues that such politicians often lose influence and acceptance within their communities once they leave public office.

The Igbo Diaspora: A Strategic Asset Beyond Five States

Onoh also highlighted the geographical spread of Igbo communities as a powerful political and economic lever. From Ikwerre and Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Nsukka in Enugu State, and from Anioma and Igbanke in Delta and Edo states to the border areas of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, the Igbo presence is vast.

“True unity is the ultimate strategic asset,” he declared.

Governors Who Got It Right

Not everyone is on the wrong track. Onoh commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for maintaining decorum despite their different political affiliations. They have shown, he says, that political competition does not require public insults.

Let the Ballot Box Decide, Not Insults

Onoh is adamant that every Nigerian has the right to support any candidate, whether it is President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, or anyone else. The answer is simple: vote.

“Let everyone express their choices clearly through the ballot box. If you do not believe in Peter Obi's vision, speak your mind by voting against him at the polls. But do not join external choruses to launch vitriolic insults against a decent man who, despite his natural human flaws, has brought profound global pride to millions.”

He urged political actors to focus on programmes, policies, and manifestos rather than personal attacks.

What Happens When the Razzmatazz Ends?

Onoh's final warning is stark. Political differences can outlast individual appointments, and the consequences of public conduct will linger. The fanfare, the sirens, and the temporary political excitement will eventually fade.

“When the dust settles, the community will remember those who broke the bond of regional respect for a seat at a temporary table.”

The message is clear: protect the region's political capital, or risk being left with nothing when the music stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Denge Josef Umunnakwe Onoh?

Onoh is a former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly and a former South-East spokesman for the Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council. He is a political figure known for speaking directly on regional matters.

Why is Peter Obi considered a major political brand?

According to Onoh, Obi has achieved a level of national acceptability and cross-regional appeal not seen from the South-East since the eras of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. His influence extends beyond the region's borders.

What does Onoh want South-East politicians to do?

He wants them to stop personal attacks on Obi and other frontline figures, focus on policy debates, and build a cohesive and mutually respectful front to strengthen the region's national bargaining power.