Fidelis Chukwu, a former National Vice-Chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East, has been elected as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Mr. Chukwu succeeds Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on 25 July 2024 after a prolonged illness.
In a statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s spokesperson, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, confirmed that Mr. Chukwu was chosen during the Imeobi Ohanaeze meeting held on Saturday in Enugu. He will serve for 27 days to complete Imo State’s current tenure, which ends on 10 January 2025.
A Leadership Transition Born of Necessity
Mr. Ogbonnia explained that a “chain of catastrophes” led to Mr. Chukwu’s emergence. The group has lost two presidents-general from Imo State in recent years—George Obiozor in 2022 and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in 2024.
Imo State previously nominated Mr. Iwuanyanwu to complete Mr. Obiozor’s tenure, and he was sworn in on 30 April 2023. Following his death in July 2024, the Imo Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J. Ihemedu, presented Fidelis Chukwu to exhaust the remaining days of the four-year tenure allotted to Imo State.
Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairperson of the Imo Council of Elders, moved the motion for Mr. Chukwu’s adoption, which was seconded by Simon Okeke and approved through a voice vote.
Next President-General to Emerge from Rivers State
A communique issued after the meeting confirmed that Rivers State will produce the next president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The statement, signed by Mr. Ogbonnia and Secretary-General Okey Emuchay, also noted that the group’s National Executive Committee would oversee the composition of Election and Screening Committees for the upcoming elections.
The meeting was attended by prominent Igbo leaders, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah (represented by Secretary to the State Government Chidi Onyia), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former APGA National Chairperson Chekwas Okorie, former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro, and former Minister of Power Chinedu Nebo.
Governor Mbah urged the new president-general to ensure the forthcoming election is transparent and credible.
Zoning in Ohanaeze
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency rotates among seven Igbo-speaking states—five in the South-East (Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo) and two in the South-South (Rivers and Delta). Each state serves a four-year single tenure.
In cases of an incomplete tenure due to resignation or death, the affected state nominates a replacement to complete the term, subject to Imeobi Ohanaeze’s approval.
Fidelis Chukwu, now the 12th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, assumes office with the mandate to conclude Imo State’s remaining tenure.
