Chidi Samuel|
The frontline Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Thursday said it never at any time endorsed the candidature of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hopeful, Atiku Abubakar ahead the 2019 presidential election.
The deputy national publicity secretary of the organisation, Chuks Ibegbu issued the denial while speaking at a press conference in Enugu.
According to the Ohanaeze spokesman, the clarification became necessary following misconceptions over the event of November 2018 where some Igbo leaders endorsed Abubakar for president.
Ibegbu clarified that Atiku’s endorsement was done by his friends in the South East.
He said, “It is erroneous to say that we endorsed Atiku. Ohaneze Ndigbo did not endorse anybody. That meeting at Nike Lake Resort was organised by friends of Atiku.”
“However, due to our peculiar circumstance in the country, we will identify with candidates that will restructure Nigeria if voted into power.”
Ibegbu further stated that the apex Igbo socio-cultural body would soon meet to take a holistic position on the 2019 general election.
According to him, “Ohaneze Ndigbo has been canvassing for our people to identify with candidates that will restructure Nigeria.
“We still stand on that and in the next few days we shall meet to take a holistic position on the elections.”
Ibegbu said the John Nwodo-led Ohaneze Ndigbo has given its “modest contribution by re-jigging Igbo leadership and issues concerning our people”.
According to him, the current leadership of Ohanaeze had built synergy with its affiliate groups with a view to achieving unity in the region.
