Ohanaeze Ndigbo Denies Advising Peter Obi to Withdraw from 2027 Presidential Race
Igbo Socio-Cultural Group Dismisses Misleading Reports as “Acts of Mischief”
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly refuted circulating reports claiming it advised Labour Party’s Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. The group also denied allegations that it discouraged northern leaders from supporting Obi’s political ambitions.
Official Statement Clarifies Position
In an official statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the claims as completely false and the work of mischief-makers. The organization emphasized its commitment to maintaining neutrality in political matters while advocating for the interests of the Igbo people.
“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. “We wish to categorically state that such a mischief-driven and misleading statement did not emanate from the dignified apex Igbo body.”
Leadership Denounces Fabricated Claims
Dr. Chukwu specifically called out what he described as “clandestine starving street urchins” attempting to tarnish the organization’s reputation. He stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, under its current credible leadership including Senator John Azuta Mbata (President-General), Prince Okey Nwadinobi (Deputy President-General), and Emeka Sibeudu (Secretary-General), would never issue such statements.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is committed to the wellbeing of the Igbo nation and national development through justice, fairness, and equity,” the group reiterated in its statement. “We remain non-partisan and have not taken any position on the 2027 presidential election or endorsed any candidate.”
Organization Maintains Neutral Stance
The clarification comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized its role as a socio-cultural rather than political organization, dedicated to promoting Igbo interests while maintaining national unity.
The group urged media outlets and the public to be wary of false information circulating online, particularly from what it described as “incurable mercenaries unconscionably parading the Ohanaeze brand to execute the pecuniary bidding of their political paymasters.”
Background on the Controversy
The denial follows widespread speculation about Peter Obi’s potential candidacy in the 2027 elections after his strong showing in the 2023 presidential race. As a former governor of Anambra State and vice presidential candidate in 2019, Obi has maintained significant political influence across Nigeria.
Political analysts suggest that such false reports may be attempts to create divisions within the Igbo political landscape or between the Southeast and other regions ahead of the next election cycle. Ohanaeze’s swift response appears aimed at preventing any misinterpretation of its position regarding one of the region’s most prominent political figures.
Commitment to Truth and Unity
In concluding its statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its dedication to truth, justice, and the equitable development of Nigeria. The organization called for responsible journalism and cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could undermine national unity.
The group’s leadership emphasized that any official communication regarding political matters would come through proper channels and be consistent with the organization’s longstanding principles of fairness and non-partisanship.
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