The South East Leaders Assembly (SELA) has faulted comments attributed to a northern youth leader suggesting that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi cannot become President of Nigeria without first obtaining the support of northern youths.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Coordinator-General, Mazi Kenneth Oti, the group described the remarks as reckless, provocative and inconsistent with the principles of democracy.
SELA maintained that Nigeria’s presidency is determined by voters through free and credible elections and not by any individual, group or region.
“The Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is neither the birthright nor the exclusive preserve of any individual, region or political interest. It belongs to the Nigerian people, who alone have the sovereign authority to choose their leaders,” the statement said.
The group argued that suggesting any presidential aspirant must secure the approval of a particular region before contesting an election undermines constitutional provisions guaranteeing equality, political participation and national unity.
While acknowledging the significant contributions of Northern Nigeria to the country’s development, SELA stressed that no region should be portrayed as the sole determinant of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The assembly also defended Peter Obi, describing him as a politician whose message centres on accountability, competence, justice, security, economic transformation and national renewal.
According to the group, Obi’s political ambition is focused on serving Nigerians across all ethnic, religious and regional divides.
SELA urged Nigerians to reject narratives capable of deepening ethnic and regional tensions, insisting that elections should be decided by the quality, integrity and vision of candidates rather than sectional sentiments.
The group further called on political leaders, youth organisations and public commentators to exercise caution in their public statements, warning that divisive rhetoric could threaten national cohesion.
It noted that Nigeria’s electoral history has consistently demonstrated that no presidential candidate can secure victory through the support of a single region alone, stressing that broad national consensus remains essential for electoral success.
Reaffirming its position, the assembly declared that the presidency belongs to all Nigerians and urged citizens to embrace inclusive politics as the country moves closer to future electoral contests.
