The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said they have not chosen a preferred presidential candidate for the 2023 election and warned name-droppers to desist from doing so in its name.
South-South zonal coordinator of Ohanaeze youths Mr Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, made the disclosure in a release which he signed and made available to newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
Arthur-Ugwa said they would announce their choice in due time if it became necessary, and admonished members especially youths, to desist from politicizing its activities and seeking financial inducement in the organisation’s name.
The statement read “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, ably led by our President-General, Prof. George Obiozor, has no preferred presidential candidate yet. When it becomes necessary that we choose one and we so do, we’ll make our preferences public”.
He stated that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide choice will not be influenced by ethnic and religious sentiments but strictly on merit, charisma and capacity of the candidates.
Arthur-Ugwa said “We therefore call on members to avoid the temptation to submit to any form of inducement, financial or otherwise in the name of Ohanaeze. This is distasteful as it is unacceptable. As an organisation, our dignity is sacrosanct”, he said.
Further, the Ohanaeze chieftain noted that prominent Igbo leaders such as the National Women Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mrs Rita Daniels, had also warned youths not to convert the upcoming general elections into a money making venture, adding that anyone found guilty of collecting money on behalf of Ohanaeze would be properly dealt in line with laid down procedures.
