The apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has distanced itself from earlier claims by a splinter faction urging Igbos not to contest the 2027 presidential election in deference to President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued Wednesday, President-General of Ohanaeze, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, clarified that every Igbo man or woman who belongs to a political party and desires to run for president is free to do so.
He described as “fake news” any publication suggesting that Ohanaeze had endorsed a no-contest posture, stressing that the group is neither a political party nor in a position to dictate electoral choices.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is a socio-cultural organization, not a political party,” Azuta-Mbata said. “We cannot dictate or even advise on who contests elections in Nigeria at any time. Ndigbo are encouraged to pursue their political aspirations within the parties of their choice.”
The statement directly contradicts an earlier declaration by a faction of Ohanaeze, which had pledged support for President Tinubu’s administration and advised Igbos not to field candidates in 2027. The clarification underscores the widening cracks within the body ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Political observers note that the division reflects deeper debates in the South-East over strategy — whether to consolidate alliances with the current government or push anew for the long-sought Igbo presidency.