I have long wanted to speak about the typical Igbo politician, but most times I don’t know how to begin.
Today, however, I will say this: there is a huge difference between an Igbo politician who has not attained power and one who is already in power. The difference is simple. The one who has not gained power is often patriotic, speaks about the interests of the people, and criticizes everything that stands against the Igbo people. The one already in power serves the interests of Abuja and often speaks against his own people.
I have tried to understand the reasons for this.
Yoruba people in power think first about the interests of the Yoruba before the interests of Nigeria. The same applies to the Fulani. To them, it is their region first before the idea of one Nigeria. But the Igbo man is not like that. Recall when Yoruba governors rallied together and formed Amotekun. The formation of Amotekun showed that if these governors decided today that they were tired of one Nigeria, nothing would stop them. Yet, at that same moment, Igbo governors rejected the formation of a similar security outfit, even when Fulani herdsmen were kị́lling their people.
Before the eyes of Igbo leaders, the Nigerian military declared Operation Python Dance 1, 2, and 3 against flag-wielding youths, kị́lling hundreds, and none of them condemned it. Do you think such could happen in the North or in Yoruba land? Today, Boko Haram and bandits are kị́lling people, including Army Generals, yet no Operation Python Dance has been declared in the North. The military was not going from house to house kị̀lling youths in the North the way they did in places like Orlu and Orsu.
The Igbo politician believes he must please the North or the Yoruba to gain power. Apart from two or three individuals, many in power in Igbo land are puppets.
The government understands that to keep Igbo people in check, it must control the political leadership of Igbo land. That is why the Nigerian government is always interested in who becomes governor in Igbo states. The day the Fulani or Yoruba stop determining who rises to power in Igbo land is the day Igbo land breaks free from their grip.
Let me be pragmatic.
Go back in history and examine the tenure of individuals who came to power through the will of the people—not those positioned strategically by the system. I am not referring to those placed in the right party and supported into office. Look instead at people like Peter Obi, Emeka Ihedioha, and Alex Oti. These individuals rose not by the power of the centre. Check their performance. The federal government fears the rise of any Igbo leader it cannot manipulate.
Unfortunately, many Igbo politicians are willing to disgrace themselves to gain approval from Fulani and Yoruba power structures. You need to see what happens in Abuja—how Igbo politicians lobby and beg for recommendations. Honour and integrity are sacrificed for relevance. Many are willing to outdo each other in submission just to remain the preferred choice of the federal establishment.
How then do we restore the integrity of ndị Igbo?
The answer is simple. We must first acknowledge that we are living like a defeated people within Nigeria. That recognition is necessary if we are to find a solution. We must understand that, apart from one or two exceptions, many politicians in Igbo land serve the interests of the North. That is why, under the watch of an Igbo governor, the military can enter a village and kị̀ll Igbo youths without any strong response. This is something that would hardly happen in the North or in Yoruba land.
The present leadership in Igbo land has roots in the aftermath of the civil war of 1967–1970. Those who defended Biafran land were removed, while those willing to serve the interests of one Nigeria were elevated into power. That pattern has persisted to this day.
The solution is the dethronement of such leadership. They have become enemies of the people and must give way.
Imagine a situation where we have people-driven governors like Alex Oti across all Igbo states. Imagine the kind of region we would build. With good leadership, governors can work collectively for regional development and execute projects that truly benefit the people.
It is not easy to dethrone entrenched systems, but awareness remains the greatest weapon. If three people read this, many more minds can be awakened. All it takes is to share it across your platforms.
With leaders of honour and integrity, we will have those who can engage meaningfully with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, rather than leaders who aid in his continued detention—while others walk free, and while those who commit acts of terror are rehabilitated and rewarded.
The first step is a change in mentality.
Elochukwu Ohagi
Philosopher, Teacher, and Activist, 2026.
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