Uche Okwukwu, a former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has asserted that he was legitimately elected as the new President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
His claim comes amidst media reports of two separate elections producing rival Presidents-General for the group.
On Friday, confusion erupted following announcements from two factions. One faction declared Okwukwu, from Rivers State, as President-General after an election held in Port Harcourt, while another proclaimed Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the leader following an election in Enugu.
Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Okwukwu, who is reportedly backed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), dismissed Azuta-Mbata’s election, arguing that it violated Ohanaeze’s traditional procedures.
“In 2017, Ohanaeze’s elections were held in Enugu because the President-General was coming from Enugu,”
“In 2021, it was the turn of Imo State to produce the President-General, and the election was held in Imo State. In 2025, it was the turn of Rivers State to produce the President-General, and the election was held in Port Harcourt.” Okwukwu explained
Okwukwu asserted that his election in Port Harcourt followed due process
“I, Uche Okwukwu, former Secretary-General Ohanaeze Worldwide, emerged victorious in that election. I don’t know about any election held in Enugu State Government House.”
“It is not in line with our tradition. You don’t hold elections in Government House because you don’t expect delegates to come into a caged place. Elections are held in places where people can access.”he said
