The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide has distanced itself from reports of a purported visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during which support was allegedly pledged for his 2027 presidential ambition.
In a press statement issued from the office of its National Youth Leader, Damian Okafor, the organization disclaimed involvement in the visit, describing it as stage-managed by individuals falsely presenting themselves as leaders of the group.
Okafor emphasized that the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is strictly a sociocultural organization with no political affiliations, adding that its primary purpose is to advocate for the emancipation and advancement of the Igbo region.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide is the apex Igbo youth sociocultural organization that has upheld the cultural values of Ndigbo in line with the operational guidelines enshrined in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Constitution.
We are apolitical and cannot engage in political visits for personal gains,” he stated.
He further stressed that the group cannot support a northern candidate for the presidency, noting that the region has already held the position for eight years, while the Southeast has yet to occupy the seat since 1999.
Okafor criticized Atiku Abubakar for allegedly entertaining individuals he referred to as impostors, who have been expelled from the organization for misconduct.
More so, Okafor questioned the rationale behind a non-political group pledging support for a presidential candidate, particularly when the Southeast has been clamoring for its turn in the presidency.
“Someone as prominent as Atiku Abubakar should not be so desperate for power as to entertain impostors claiming to represent Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide.
He should have sought clarification from the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Amb. Okey Emuchay, before engaging with such individuals,” Okafor said.
The youth leader also revealed that those involved in the visit were expelled from the organization for allegedly using its name to defraud the public and tarnish its image.
He urged security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, to act on pending complaints against the individuals.
“Our special appeal goes to the Director of DSS to direct their Enugu command to address the complaints against these individuals.
We also urge the Southeast governors, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma, to intervene and save Alaigbo from the activities of these criminals.
Treating them with leniency could create another sect of non-state actors holding the region to ransom,” he added.
Okafor reiterated the organization’s commitment to its sociocultural mandate and warned the public against dealing with individuals masquerading as its national leaders.
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