The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide has distanced itself from reports of a purported visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during which the group allegedly pledged support for his 2027 presidential bid.
In a press statement released by Damian Okafor, the National Youth Leader of the organisation, the youth wing dismissed the visit as a fabrication orchestrated by a few individuals falsely posing as leaders of the group. Okafor clarified that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing is a non-political organisation, solely focused on advancing the interests of the Igbo people.
“Our mandate is to serve as the leading sociocultural youth body dedicated to preserving and promoting the values and interests of Ndigbo as outlined in the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. We do not engage in political activities or align with politicians for personal gain,” Okafor declared.
He emphasized that the youth wing respects traditional protocols and would not engage in political endorsements that contradict the ethos of the wider Igbo community.
“There is no justification for our group to support a northern candidate for the presidency, especially after the region’s recent tenure in power, while the Southeast remains unrepresented since 1999,” he stated.
Okafor criticized Atiku Abubakar for entertaining what he described as “impostors,” alleging that those individuals had been previously expelled from the organisation due to criminal activities that tarnished the group’s image.
“Someone of Atiku Abubakar’s stature should exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of those claiming to represent our group. It is disingenuous to accept endorsements from a non-political organisation, particularly when it is well known that the Southeast seeks its turn in the presidency. A simple consultation with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide’s Secretary General, Amb. Okey Emuchay, would have clarified any such matters,” Okafor advised.
He further called on security agencies, including the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force, to take swift action on the group’s pending complaints regarding the activities of these alleged impostors. Okafor also urged Southeast governors, under the leadership of Hope Uzodinma, to address the issue to protect the interests of the region.
“Our commitment remains rooted in the preservation and promotion of Igbo values and culture. We caution the public to be wary of individuals masquerading as national leaders of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing,” Okafor concluded.
