The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly denied reports claiming it advised former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the group also dismissed suggestions that it had warned northern leaders against supporting Obi’s candidacy.
Describing the circulating reports as “mischief-driven and misleading,” Ohanaeze said the statements did not originate from the organization, which it described as a “dignified apex Igbo body.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been alerted to a misleading report circulating on social media alleging that the apex Igbo body warned Mr. Peter Obi against contesting the 2027 presidential election,” the statement read.
“It also claimed that Ohanaeze cautioned the North against backing his candidacy. We wish to categorically state that such a statement did not emanate from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and should be disregarded.”
Dr. Chukwu attributed the false claims to a group he described as “clandestine, starving street urchins” operating under the guise of a fake Ohanaeze faction.
“These individuals, who parade a phantom, ludicrous brown-envelope Ohanaeze with POS as their address, are not affiliated with our organization,” he added.
He affirmed that the leadership of the organization remains under the guidance of credible figures, including Senator John Azuta Mbata (President-General), Prince Okey Nwadinobi (Deputy President-General), and Emeka Sibeudu (Secretary-General).
Reaffirming its commitment to the wellbeing of the Igbo people and the promotion of justice, equity, and national unity, Ohanaeze emphasized that it remains a non-partisan body and has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The group urged the public and the media to disregard politically motivated propaganda circulated by individuals seeking personal gain.
“We caution against giving credence to the activities of political mercenaries who unconscionably use the Ohanaeze name to serve the interests of their paymasters,” the statement concluded.
Comments