Ohanaeze Youth Council Declares Umahi, Ngige, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, Chime ‘Persona Non Grata’ In Igboland

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has declared five prominent South-East political figures, namely Senator David Umahi, Sullivan Chime, Dr. Chris Ngige, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, persona non grata in Igboland, accusing them of political betrayal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The five individuals are former governors of Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra and Abia.

The declaration was made on Sunday, during a press briefing in Enugu by the National President of the group, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka.

He accused the politicians of “political betrayal” for endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, describing their action as self-serving and harmful to the interests of the South-East.

“It is a tragedy that individuals who have benefited from the votes of our people are now compromising our future for their personal political survival,” Igboayaka said.

He also criticised their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that it ignored key grievances in the region.

“Declaring support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu while ignoring his lack of action on the Southeast’s marginalization and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing incarceration is considered an act of extreme cowardice and economic sabotage against the economic well-being of Ndigbo,” he stated.

Igboayaka further reviewed the political records of the affected leaders, questioning their credibility and electoral influence.

He referenced Ngige’s electoral history, alleged irregularities linked to Ikpeazu in the 2023 elections, what he described as the poor performance of Ugwuanyi in office, and Umahi’s alleged failure to advance key infrastructure projects in the region.

He also criticised the political relevance of Chime.

The OYC president also alleged that the former governors were acting out of personal interest.

“These former Southeast Governors allied with Bola Ahmed Tinubu are corrupt politicians seeking to evade the reopening of their eight years embezzlement cases by the EFCC and ICPC, as they lack genuine grassroots support in their home regions,” he said.

The group called for social and political ostracisation of the affected leaders.

“We therefore call for Social Ostracization against former Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Chime Sullivan, Chris Ngige and David Umahi individuals to boycott all their political and social activities as they have renewed their political sabotage against Ndigbo for 2027 Presidential election,” Igboayaka said.

He added that the group’s planned political mobilisation ahead of 2027 would focus on voter engagement aimed at replacing what he described as failed leadership.

“The 2027 ‘Ballot Revolution’ represents a solemn warning to political saboteurs,” he said, adding that the movement would rely on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to “retire ‘expired politicians’ who prioritize their self-interest over the advancement of Ala Igbo.”(SaharaReporters)