JUST IN;Group rejects Ohaneze election results, accuses govs of manipulation

JUST IN; Group rejects Ohaneze election results, accuses govs of manipulation

A leading Igbo socio-political group, the Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC), has vehemently rejected the outcome of the recent election for the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, which saw Senator John Azuta Mbata emerge as the new leader.

The group has accused southeastern governors of manipulating the electoral process, claiming they orchestrated the entire affair to install a preferred candidate.

In a press statement issued by the IMC’s Director-General, Rev. Obinna Akukwe, the group alleged that the governors had conspired to undermine the election’s transparency, keeping crucial details—such as the election venue—hidden until the last minute.

“The venue of the election was kept top secret until Friday morning, when delegates were informed it would hold at the Old Governor’s Lodge in Enugu. Upon arrival, security personnel, including police and DSS agents, were stationed at the venue with strict orders to prevent unauthorized access. Delegate lists were prepared and approved by the governors,” Akukwe said.

The IMC further claimed that the governors had played a key role in selecting delegates loyal to them, rigging the system by ensuring their supporters were among the voters.

“Delegates, handpicked by the governors and their allies, were directed to the Ohaneze Ndigbo National Headquarters to collect accreditation tags and loyalty payments,” the statement continued.

“Some delegates received millions of naira, while others were paid smaller sums, with payments made via electronic transfer at the Ohaneze Secretariat or the Old Governors Lodge.”

According to the group, the governors’ efforts to manipulate the election were so evident that they had earlier warned all relevant stakeholders, including other political contenders, about the potential hijacking of the process.

“On January 6, we informed both contestants and activists that the governors were plotting to take over the election,” Rev. Akukwe said.

The IMC alleges that the main goal behind the governors’ interference was to exclude certain candidates from securing leadership positions within Ohaneze Ndigbo.

The statement further highlighted how some aspirants were coerced into stepping down.

“Mike Okiro, initially resisting the pressure to withdraw in favor of Senator Mbata, later relented and appeared at the Ohaneze Secretariat at 10 p.m., seeking a legal resolution that would allow him to contest,” Akukwe added.

The IMC is calling on all Igbo stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of Ohaneze Ndigbo and ensure that it remains free from political manipulation.

“We urge all concerned parties to prevent politicians, especially governors, from meddling in the affairs of Ohaneze Ndigbo. The organization is essential for the progress and unity of the Igbo people, and it must not be reduced to a political tool,” the statement concluded.

In a related development, two factions of Ohaneze Ndigbo have independently declared separate candidates for the position of President General, following the controversial election.

One faction has named Dim Uche Nnam Okwukwu as its chosen candidate, while the other has endorsed Chief Jackson Omenazu as the successor to the outgoing president, Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu.

This division adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing leadership crisis within the organization, further fueling tensions among various political and cultural groups within the Igbo community.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these rival claims will impact the cohesion of Ohaneze Ndigbo and the broader Igbo political landscape.