South-East Governors allegedly manipulated Ohanaeze Ndigbo election – Group

The Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) has alleged that the recently concluded Ohanaeze Ndigbo elections were hijacked by South-East governors.

In a statement issued on Friday and made available to Politics Nigeria, the group, through its Director-General, Rev. Obinna Akukwe, accused the governors of conspiring to control the electoral process to ensure the emergence of their preferred candidate.

The group revealed that the election venue was deliberately kept secret until the last minute. It claimed this was part of a strategy to sideline certain candidates, including former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro.

According to the IMC, the governors had plotted to install Senator Azuta Mbata, who ultimately emerged as the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The IMC disclosed that the election venue was only revealed on Friday morning, with delegates informed that the exercise would take place at the Old Governor’s Lodge in Enugu.

Security personnel, including police and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, were stationed at the venue with strict instructions to allow only pre-approved delegates inside.

“The lists of delegates were compiled and approved by the respective governors,” the statement alleged. “From Abia to Anambra, Enugu, and Imo, the governors handpicked loyalists to represent their states at the election.”

The group further alleged that delegates loyal to the governors received financial incentives for their participation. Some delegates reportedly received payments ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of naira, depending on their status. The payments were allegedly distributed through electronic transfers at the Ohanaeze Secretariat and the Old Governor’s Lodge.

The IMC claimed it had raised an alarm as early as January 6th, warning activists and candidates about the governors’ plans to manipulate the process. The group urged stakeholders to take action, verify the authenticity of the delegate list, and resist any underhanded tactics.

However, it alleged that these warnings were not heeded, allowing the governors to execute their plans.