The Ogun State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced that it will only support candidates who demonstrate a commitment to protecting the interests of the Igbo community. This declaration was made by Eze Willy Ejimnkeoye, the Global Treasurer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Eze Ndigbo of Ogun State, during a press briefing held at the Eze Ndigbo palace. Eze Ejimnkeoye stated that the Eze Ndigbo would organize a town hall meeting for all candidates to facilitate a careful selection of a candidate for endorsement. He emphasized that the group would reveal its chosen presidential candidate at the appropriate time.
Eze Ejimnkeoye clarified that the group has not yet endorsed any governorship candidate in Ogun State. He indicated that an endorsement would only occur after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the final list of candidates for the state governorship election. He advised all governorship candidates to disregard any claims made by individuals, whether Igbo or non-indigenes, regarding endorsements from the group. A general meeting will also be convened, where Igbo residents in the state will gather to discuss and decide on which candidates to endorse.
He expressed that the Ndigbo and Niger Delta eligible voters in Ogun State have resolved to vote as a bloc for candidates who can convincingly demonstrate their commitment to protecting their interests and addressing issues such as discrimination in the distribution of social amenities, education, health, taxes, and political appointments. Eze Ejimnkeoye invited all governorship candidates from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and others to the town hall meetings, where they can present their plans for safeguarding the community’s interests if elected in the upcoming 2023 general elections.
The Ndigbo and Niger Delta communities in Ogun State will endorse a governorship candidate who resonates well with them and is popular among their constituents. Eze Ejimnkeoye reiterated that the Igbo community and South-South indigenes living and conducting business in Ogun State would convene through various township associations to deliberate on the candidates for endorsement. He emphasized that a general meeting would be held in his palace, where all Igbo residents would discuss the candidates from all political parties contesting in the 2023 governorship election.
Eze Ejimnkeoye made it clear that no decisions regarding candidate suitability would be made until the INEC publishes the final list of candidates. He acknowledged the contributions of the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun, to the state’s development over the past three and a half years. He stated that the decision to endorse a candidate would be made in the spirit of fair play, allowing the community to weigh all options before reaching a conclusion.
Furthermore, he warned all political candidates to be cautious of any individuals claiming to represent the endorsement of any party’s governorship candidate. He reiterated that no candidate has been endorsed at this time. Eze Ejimnkeoye urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and encouraged politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully, free from violence and political thuggery. He stressed the importance of avoiding political violence, given the existing issues of insecurity, killings, and other violent crimes in the country.
He also called on the INEC to ensure adequate preparations for free, fair, and credible elections in 2023. The community is prepared to support the introduction of electronic transfer of election results and biometric accreditation of voters. Eze Ejimnkeoye appealed to all stakeholders to collaborate with INEC to facilitate peaceful and credible elections, ensuring a smooth transition of power in 2023. He emphasized the importance of civic engagement, stating that this time, the community is determined to exercise their voting rights without hindrance.
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