SENATOR Ike Ekweremadu: This amiable and photogenic Enugu State-born politician is the Deputy Senate President and can occupy Aso Rock, if given the chance. He is dynamic and profoundly intellectual. He also has the resources and broad national connections that can assist to propel him to winning the presidency.

However, Ekweremadu is viewed with suspicion among some South Easterners in general and some Igbos in particular. Critics portray him as a self-centered politician and some even describe him as a well-lubricated wind vane.  His friends and associates defend him religiously and contend that he has been misunderstood and unfairly characterised.

Further, since he is also from Enugu State, Ekweremadu first has to contend with the wishes of his state governor, who has shown more overt commitments to the 2015 presidential project.  Political observers are still guessing who will be vanquished if and when Senator Ekweremadu gets into a political contest with his state governor who has an intimidating resume of always standing whether the dust settles or not.

Governor Peter Obi:  As a two-time Governor, Obi has impeccable credentials to aspire for the Nigerian presidency. He is a dogged politician, has the needed resources, and can fight the fight. In fact, Governor Obi can fight any fight to a logical conclusion.

Also significant is the reported closeness between the Governor and the current occupant of Aso Rock. Yet, Obi’s challenges regarding any quest for the presidency remain daunting.

To begin with, the jury is still out regarding the Governor’s handling of the political capital and/or mandate that was given to him by the people of Anambra State in 2003. Obi won the governorship of Anambra State flying the flag of his current party, APGA.

Since assuming office, he has not apparently done much to direct or develop the party. In sum however, Governor Obi cannot be taken lightly by any standards.

Should Governor Obi decide to enter the presidential sweepstakes, it will be interesting to watch him manoeuvre once more from a state that is filled with political lions, tigers, foxes and lambs. The biggest obstacle for Governor Obi is that, like Rochas Okorocha, he is not a member of the PDP.

SENATOR Pius Anyim:  This Ebonyi State-born politician shot into political limelight in Nigeria in 2003 when he won a seat in the Senate and subsequently became the Senate President. Anyim seems to have a rich pedigree. The former Senate President is currently the Secretary to the Federal Government. Most importantly, he is viewed by some as independent minded and trustworthy.

However, like other Igbo Senate leaders before and after him, Anyim has little or nothing to show the Igbos for the years he was at the helm. Also, it is believed that any chancy moves on his part can irritate his current boss, President Jonathan, whose second term agenda and plans for 2015 remain unclear. Senator Anyim may find it difficult to bite the fingers that appear to be feeding him.

All things considered, the year 2015 remains a challenge for the Igbos in the Nigerian presidential quest. In the turbulent political landscape of Nigeria, laced with political landmines, achieving the Igbo presidency will not come on a platter of gold.

Thus, it is absolutely incumbent on every prospective Igbo leader to make the desired efforts to ensure that no stone is left unturned from now till the Nigerian presidency returns to the South East after eluding the zone for over 50 years. There is no question that the Igbos can achieve this desired objective with a concerted effort, and there may be no better time than 2015.

Mr. CHIBUZO ONWUCHEKWE, former chairman of  World Igbo Congress, wrote from Houston, Texas, USA.