Ohanaeze Denies Report on Igbo Exclusion from 2027 Presidential Race

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, has refuted reports claiming that no Igbo person would contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mbata described the publication as false, stressing that it did not originate from the pan-Igbo socio-cultural body. “Any Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wants to contest any election in 2027 is free to do so,” he declared.

He clarified that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has no authority to determine who can or cannot contest elections in Nigeria. “Any publication suggesting otherwise is fake news. It did not come from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and should be disregarded,” he said.

Reaffirming the organisation’s role, Mbata noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is a socio-cultural association, not a political party. As such, it has no mandate to dictate or even advise on electoral contests at any level.

He further urged Ndigbo to remain active in their chosen political parties and continue engaging in lawful political activities ahead of the 2027 polls.