By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, has dismissed claims that Igbo politicians would be barred from contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing such reports as false and misleading.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mbata clarified that the organisation has no authority to dictate who can or cannot run for office.
“Any Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wants to contest any election in 2027 is free to do so,” he said.
He emphasized that Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural body, not a political party, and has no mandate to endorse or disqualify candidates.
“Any publication suggesting otherwise is fake news and should be ignored,” Mbata added.
The Ohanaeze leader urged Igbo citizens to remain actively engaged in politics through the parties of their choice and to disregard attempts to misrepresent the organisation’s position on electoral matters.
