President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo rejects idea of consensus candidate proposed by Imo elders for the upcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo election.
Chief Nwodo told those who are banding together to sell a “consensus” Imo leader for Ohanaeze Ndigbo to think again.
“The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not for sale and nobody can manipulate the choice of Ndigbo and the outcome of the election,” he said in a statement.
Nwodo denied that he was part of a plot to install Prof. George Obiozor as his successor from Imo State.
“Chief Nwodo has never and will never attend any meeting where the people of Imo State will determine who their flag bearer will be,” he said.
Imo State politicians gathered at Government House Owerri last week to present Obiozor, the veteran diplomat, as consensus candidate to lead Ohanaeze from the State.
Gov. Hope Uzodimma joined the meeting and gave a tacit approval to the Obiozor choice which he said was made by Imo State chapter of Ohanaeze.
He also used the opportunity to advise Obiozor on how to conduct issues with the federal authorities.
The headship of Ohanaeze rotates among seven states with significant Igbo populations – Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers.
Enugu, the current holders, will hand over the baton to Imo State in January 2021.
At last count, more than eight prominent Imo personalities have indicated interest in leading the apex Igbo socio-cultural association.
Most of the aspirants have publicly indicated that they will not respect the choice of the Imo elders and will contest the election.
In his statement, Chief Nwodo sided with the aspirants based on Ohanaeze constitutional provisions.
As he put it, Ohanaeze “will conduct election for all those who indicate interest and purchase the form for it.”
Nwodo said he will guard his legacy by ensuring that members of Ohanaeze are protected to elect who they want to lead the organisation.
“Chief Nwodo is resolute about leaving behind a viable and people chosen leadership for Ohanaeze Ndigbo and has sworn to do that unabashed,” he said.
Nwodo rejects “consensus candidate” for upcoming Ohanaeze election: “The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not for sale and nobody can manipulate the choice of Ndigbo and the outcome of the election.”
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