Don’t Collect Money From Anyone; We Haven’t Endorsed Any Presidential Candidate – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The South-East’s apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has said that it has not endorsed any particular presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

The group made this known on Tuesday in Owerri in a statement made available to journalists by its South-South youth Zonal Coordinator, Mr Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa.

According to Arthur-Ugwa, the organisation would endorse its preferred presidential candidate when it becomes necessary, and therefore advised members of the group, especially the youths, to desist from politicising its activities and seeking financial inducement in its name.

The Zonal Coordinator added that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s choice of presidential candidate would not be influenced by ethnic and religious sentiments but would be strictly on merit, charisma and capacity of the candidates.

According to the statement, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, ably led by our President-General, Prof. George Obiozor, has no preferred presidential candidate yet.
“When it becomes necessary that we choose one and we so do, we’ll make our preferences public.

“We therefore call on members to avoid the temptation to submit to any form of inducement, financial or otherwise in the name of Ohanaeze. This is distasteful as it is unacceptable. As an organisation, our dignity is sacrosanct.”

Arthur-Ugwa further stated that prominent Igbo leaders such as the National Women Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mrs Rita Daniels, had also warned youths not to convert the 2023 general elections into a money-making venture.

He therefore warned that anyone found guilty of collecting money on behalf of Ohanaeze would be properly dealt with in line with laid down procedures.