Former Enugu State House of Assembly member Denge Josef Umunnakwe Onoh has warned that attacks on Peter Obi could hurt the South-East’s political influence at the national level.
Onoh, a former South-East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign council, made the comments in a statement released in Abuja.
He was reacting to recent political exchanges involving Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Minister of Works David Umahi and other South-East political actors.
Peter Obi attacks could weaken South-East, Onoh says
Onoh said political differences are normal in a democracy. However, he urged politicians to avoid personal insults and actions that could deepen divisions within the region.
According to him, major political blocs in Nigeria often protect their leading figures despite internal disagreements.
He argued that weakening a prominent politician could also reduce the wider group’s bargaining power at the federal level.
Onoh warned that continued division among South-East leaders could make it harder for the region to maintain a strong voice in national politics.
He described the possible outcome as a region filled with “political nomads” who may succeed individually but lack a stable political base for collective interests.
Onoh urges South-East politicians to close ranks
The former lawmaker said political actors should consider the long-term interests of the region instead of pursuing short-term political gains.
He also pointed to the spread of Igbo communities beyond the five South-East states.
Onoh mentioned communities in parts of Rivers, Delta, Edo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
He described this wider network as an important asset for political engagement, negotiations and development.
“True unity is the ultimate strategic asset,” Onoh said.
He also argued that Peter Obi has developed a significant national political profile.
Onoh said Obi’s political appeal extends beyond the South-East and described him as a major national political figure.
He therefore warned that attempts to diminish Obi could, in his view, affect the region’s broader political interests.
Soludo, Umahi and others urged to avoid personal attacks
Onoh stressed that political competition should not be confused with personal attacks.
He said politicians can belong to different parties and support different candidates without resorting to insults.
He praised Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as maintaining political decorum despite their differences.
Onoh also acknowledged that Nigerians have the constitutional right to support any candidate of their choice.
He said those who disagree with Obi should express their opposition through the ballot box rather than personal attacks.
The former lawmaker urged political actors to focus on policies, programmes and manifestos during the political season.
He added that political offices and alliances are temporary, while the consequences of political actions can remain within communities long after elections.
Onoh therefore called for restraint among South-East politicians, warning that continued attacks could deepen regional divisions and affect the region’s national political standing.
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