BY JOHN DANJUMA

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has dismissed reports claiming the group has barred Igbos from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement personally signed on Thursday, President-General Azuta Mbata described the publication as fake news, insisting no such directive was ever issued.

“Any Igbo person who belongs to a political party and wishes to contest any election in 2027 is free to do so. Any publication to the contrary is false, did not originate from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and should be disregarded,” Mbata said.

He emphasized that Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural organization, not a political party, and therefore has no authority to decide who can or cannot run for political office.

Mbata encouraged Ndigbo nationwide to remain politically active through their respective parties, while reaffirming the group’s non-partisan stance.