By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – IGBO youths under the auspices of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, yesterday, condemned criticisms and attacks on former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan over support of President Bola Tinubu for a second term re-election bid in 2027.

In a statement signed by the National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the attacks were considered and declared baseless, therefore, threw their weight behind Dame Patience, saying she has every right to pitch her tent for anybody she thinks is capable to lead the country.

It will be recalled that the former First Lady had declared her support during an award ceremony in Abuja for the re-election of Tinubu come 2027, saying she has no plans of returning to Aso Rock, but would work for Tinubu’s re-election, which her endorsement triggered criticisms from many Nigerians. 

He said: “There is freedom of choice guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution and natural laws. What the former First Lady, Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan is to exercise that right of choice. 

“Anyone who is not comfortable with her choice is also at liberty to pitch a tent with any other politician of their choice. 

“Those against her should have a rethink and allow Dame Patience to be; she remains one of the finest and caring First Ladies ever produced in Nigeria. 

“Her passion and commitment towards the welfare of the downtrodden in this country remains unparalleled.

“Quite glaring is also her large followership which cuts across every part of the country and beyond, and has remained so, even years after she left office. 

“So, those against her political decision should be brave enough to name the person they are supporting.

The Igbo youth organisation urged Dame Jonathan to ignore those “whose antics is to use social media and abuse anyone who shares different political opinions as their paymasters.”