The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reaffirmed that any Igbo individual is free to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the President General of Ohanaeze, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, stressed that the organisation is not a political party and has no authority to determine who should or shouldn’t run for political office.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has stated emphatically that any Igbo person can contest in the 2027 presidential election,” Azuta-Mbata declared.
He further emphasized that any publication suggesting Ohanaeze has taken a stance 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 said.
The statement reiterated that Ohanaeze is solely a socio-cultural body, not aligned with any political platform.
“Any Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wants to contest any elections whatsoever in 2027 is free to do so,” Azuta-Mbata stated.
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.”
