The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has reaffirmed that every Igbo citizen with political ambition is free to contest the 2027 presidential election under any political party of their choice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, dismissed recent reports suggesting that the group had barred or endorsed any individual for the presidency.
He described such publications as “fake news” and urged Nigerians to disregard them.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a socio-cultural organization, not a political party. We are not in a position to dictate or even advise on who should or should not contest elections in Nigeria,” Azuta-Mbata clarified.
He further encouraged Ndigbo across the country to continue engaging actively and lawfully in their chosen political platforms.
“Our position remains clear: any Igbo man or woman who is a member of a political party and wishes to contest in 2027 has the freedom and the right to do so. Ndigbo are advised to continue their lawful political activities within their various parties of membership,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with zoning, inclusivity, and regional representation dominating national conversations.
