By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Barely three days to the January 10, 2025, election of new executives for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the umbrella socio-cultural organization of the Igbo, Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo has cautioned Southeast governors against politicizing the process. 

He stressed the need for transparency and integrity in selecting the next President General, warning that any attempt to impose candidates or introduce partisan influences would harm the organization and the Igbo cause.

In a statement signed by Dr. Obidigbo on Tuesday and sent to media houses, he noted that the zoning of the President General’s position to Rivers State provides an opportunity for reforms in the organization. 

He urged Southeast governors to allow aboriginal Igbo indigenes from Rivers State to oversee the election without external interference..

Dr. Obidigbo criticized the increasing politicization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, attributing it to the involvement of politically exposed persons, particularly state governors. 

He described political interference as a major reason the organization has lost respect and influence, emphasizing that reforms are long overdue to restore its credibility and effectiveness in addressing issues affecting the Igbo people.

He said, “The experience of last four years has shown that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is long overdue for reforms. I believe that the zoning of the office of the next President General to Rivers State presents a golden opportunity for this rebranding to begin.

“Ohanaeze started losing its respect and clout as the umbrella organization of all Igbo when politically exposed persons, especially state governors, began to dictate the tune for the organization. This ugly pathway should be avoided in this year’s election.

“The fact that Rivers State, from which the next Ohanaeze President General is expected to emerge, does not have an Igbo governor, Southeast governors should allow aboriginal Igbo indigenes in the oil-rich state to endorse Presidential candidates to participate in the election.

“Anybody who is making efforts to colour the forthcoming Ohanaeze election with the brush of political partisanship or imposition of unpopular candidate should be seen as public enemy number one of Ndigbo.

“In presidential democracy that Nigeria practices, there is no place for collective vote of confidence or endorsement of candidates. Persons qualified to vote should be allowed to cast their ballot without any individual or group electing to vote the citizen by proxy.

“The best way for Igbo to start regaining its respect and dignity is by doing things the proper way and electing men and women of good standing into positions of trust.

“The incoming 17-member National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze must consist of people of integrity, and that emerged from transparent election.

“Nothing less than group funding coupled with transparent and accountable leadership will sever the umbilical cord of Ohanaeze from the purse strings of state governors.”