The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared its tacit support for any Igbo person interested in contesting the 2027 presidential election.

President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, in a statement, rubbished reports alleging the contrary.

He insisted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo was not a political party and as such “not in a position to say, dictate or even advise on who should and shouldn’t contest elections in Nigeria in 2027 or at any time for that matter”.

Azuta -Mbata said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo has stated emphatically that any Igbo person can contest in the 2027 presidential election.

“Any Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wants to contest any elections whatsoever in 2027 is free to do so.

“Any publications to the contrary are fake news, did not originate from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and should be discountenanced by the entirety of Ndigbo.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is a socio-cultural organisation of Ndigbo and not a political party. As such, Ohanaeze is not in a position to say, dictate, or even advise on who should and shouldn’t contest elections in Nigeria in 2027 or at any time for that matter.

“Ndigbo are advised to continue their lawful political activities in the various political parties of their choice and membership”.