2015: Ohaneze Ndigbo Clashes Over Jonathan’s Endorsement

In less than 12 days to Nigeria’s general elections, a pro-Muhammadu Buhari group of Igbo people under the aegis of Igbos Diaspora Initiative for Buhari (IDIB), has reportedly clashed with the apex Igbo social cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo over the latter’s endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Goodluck Jonathan

IDIB Coordinator, Mazi David Nonso Ifeanyi Ezedinma, in an interview with Daily Trust, insisted that the endorsement would not get the support of Igbos.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo Failed Nigeria During His Tenure- Prof. Amuwo

Ezedinma, who is a special adviser to Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura said there, was no formal engagement of Igbo people in the said endorsement, thereby nullifying such support for the president’s re-election bid.

“We woke up with news of a purported endorsement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate by Ohaneze Ndigbo. To say we were shocked by that news is to be mild with our feelings. It never happened because the umbrella body does not have the approval of Igbo people to do so,” he said.

The coordinator also recalled that at the recently held Igbo Day organized by Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in Awka, Anambra State, politicians, comprising governors, ministers, state and National Assembly members from Igbo-speaking states were noticeably absent at the event.

READ ALSO: President Jonathan Will Become President In 2015

“Ohaneze’s event did not attract any dignitaries; there was no support from the people. So from whom did the body get the approval of the people to voice support for a particular presidential candidate? Why must Igbos support what has been tried, and is found to be legendary for failing. Second term is not a period for campaign; it is one for showcasing the deliveries of the term in office. Igbos should ask the president what he has done for them to give him the support. We have not seen that coming from Ohaneze. The body stands the risk of losing respect and support from Igbos, if what we read about it is true,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) South East zone has reacted to last week bomb attack on the national secretariat of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in Enugu State.