The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has firmly denied claims that it urged former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the reports making rounds on social media as mischief-driven and baseless. The group also refuted allegations that it warned northern leaders against supporting Obi’s future presidential ambition.
“We categorically state that such a misleading and mischievous statement did not emanate from the apex Igbo body,” the statement read.
“Street Urchins Behind False Claims” – Ohanaeze
Dr. Chukwu blamed the false narrative on a clandestine group of political mercenaries, whom he described as “starving street urchins” parading a fake version of Ohanaeze to spread disinformation.
He reiterated that the authentic Ohanaeze Ndigbo, currently led by Senator John Azuta Mbata (President-General), Prince Okey Nwadinobi (Deputy President-General), and Emeka Sibeudu (Secretary-General), did not and would not make such a partisan statement.
“We remain committed to the wellbeing of the Igbo nation and the advancement of justice, fairness, and equity in Nigeria,” the group added.
No Endorsements for 2027 Yet
Ohanaeze clarified that it is a non-partisan body and has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 elections, urging the media and general public to ignore any politically motivated propaganda disguised as official statements from the organization.
“We urge the media and the public to disregard statements from incurable mercenaries unconscionably parading the Ohanaeze brand to execute the pecuniary bidding of their political paymasters,” Dr. Chukwu emphasized.
