The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide would on January 10, 2025, elect its national executive on expiration of the current leadership.
The position of President General which is presently occupied by a candidate from Imo State has been zoned to Rivers State.
The last election, which brought the outgoing executive to power was held four years ago at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State; however, the January 10 election has been slated to take place at the organization’s headquarters in Enugu.
Addressing journalists on the preparations, Chief Ejiofor Onyia, chairman of the Ohanaeze electoral committee, revealed that the committee is tasked with conducting elections at the national, state, and local government levels.
According to him, delegates from seven states are expected to elect a 17-member executive during the exercise, with the process beginning on January 7 in various states.
Chief Onyia said the election would be conducted using the Option A4 method, where voters line up behind their preferred candidates.
While he did not disclose the full list of aspirants, he confirmed that two prominent individuals from Rivers State had picked nomination forms for the position of President General.
He urged states to elect individuals of integrity at all levels to ensure Ohanaeze remains a credible representative of Igbo interests.
Onyia also assured all aspirants of a fair and transparent election process.
“What we’re asking every Igbo man to do at this time is for you to present to us quality candidates – men and women who have the interest of Igboland at heart. We need people who are ready to sacrifice to see that Ohanaeze becomes what it should be – the representative of the Igbo man in all spheres of life.
“We’re appealing to all our men and women both at home and in diaspora to give support to Ohanaeze. It’s only when we support Ohanaeze that the Igbo man can claim his rightful position in the polity if this country.
“But, if we continue to fight each other and create unnecessary misunderstanding, we’re doing ourselves a lot of disfavour.
“A lot of people have picked forms for the position of president general from Rivers State. As at last count for the one I know, at least two people have picked forms for that. It may be up to three or five now. I don’t know. So, people are showing interest,” Onyia said.
