The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has refuted a press statement issued by the factional leader of its youth wing , Damian Okafor, urging the region to withdraw from contesting the nation’s 2027 presidency till 2035.
Ohaneze condemned the report and reaffirmed that any Igbo individual is free to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
In a press statement issued by the President General of the organization, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, stressed that the Ohaneze, is not a political party and has no authority to determine who should or should not run for political office.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has stated emphatically that any Igbo person can contest in the 2027 presidential election,”he declared.
Azuta Mbata further emphasized that any publication suggesting Ohanaeze has taken a position against an Igbo candidate running for president is false and should be ignored.
“Any publications to the contrary are fake news, did not originate from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and should be discountenanced by the entirety of Ndigbo,” he added.
The President General, in the press statement, reiterated that Ohanaeze is solely a socio-cultural body, not aligned with any political platform, stressing that any
Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wants to contest any elections whatsoever in 2027 is free to do so.
He encouraged Igbo politicians to continue participating in democratic processes through their respective parties.
“Ndigbo are advised to continue their lawful political activities in the various political parties of their choice and membership.”he further declared.
