Uche Okwukwu, a former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has insisted that he was duly elected as the new President-General of the apex Igbo socio- cultural organisation.
There was confusion in the media on Friday following the emergence of two Presidents-General of the group.
It was reported that, Okwukwu, from Rivers State, was elected as new Ohanaeze President-General in Port Harcourt by a faction of the organization.
Media Talk Africa also reported that the pan-Igbo group elected Senator John Azuta-Mbata as its new President-General in an election that took place in Enugu.
Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Okwukwu, who has the backing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, faulted Azuta-Mbata’s election.
According to him, the election in Enugu was not in line with Ohanaeze’s tradition. He insisted that only the Port Harcourt election that produced him followed due process.
He said, “In 2017, Ohanaeze’s elections were held in Enugu because the President-General was coming from Enugu so the election was held there.
“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. The election was concluded in the wee hours of 10th of January 2025.
“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 election in Government House because you don’t expect delegates to come into a caged place. Elections are held in places where people can access.”
