The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has declared that every Igbo man and woman is eligible to contest in the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.
Speaking through its President General, Senator Azuta Mbata, the group stressed that no individual or group has the authority to stop any Igbo person from pursuing their political ambition. Mbata’s statement comes as a response to claims by a group of impostors who had earlier suggested that no Igbo would contest the presidency in 2027.
Dismissing the publication as fake news, Mbata made it clear that Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural body, not a political party, and therefore has no power to dictate who should or shouldn’t contest elections in Nigeria.
“Any Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wishes to contest any election in 2027 is free to do so,” he affirmed. He urged Ndigbo to ignore misleading reports and remain active in their political parties of choice.
Mbata added that Ohanaeze’s role is to defend the interest of Ndigbo and not to interfere with individual political ambitions. He encouraged Igbo politicians and aspirants to continue their lawful political activities ahead of the elections.
