Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide is set to elect a new president-general in January 2025, with the organization taking important steps towards a smooth transition of leadership.
The current President-General, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, officially inaugurated the screening and election committees on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State. This marks a significant move towards ensuring that the upcoming election is conducted fairly and peacefully.
Chukwu, who has been serving as the temporary President-General since the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, emphasized the importance of a credible election process. He assured that the election would be free from bias, with a level playing field for all candidates.
“Every Igbo man and woman should give the committee cooperation to deliver on an election that will be adjudged the best. There will be a level playing ground for the process,” Chukwu stated.
Chukwu reminded all Igbo people about the zoned positions for the election, urging them to focus on the office designated for their respective states. He also urged the committees to avoid nepotism and uphold the rule of law throughout the election process.
“Let’s produce quality candidates that will stand in for the election,” he added, stressing the importance of discipline and adherence to due process.
The election committee chairman, Ejiofor Onyia, who spoke on behalf of the screening committee led by Eme Okoro, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Onyia promised to do his best to achieve the goals set by Ohaneze Ndigbo.
He also called on Igbo leaders and committee members to fully support the process, highlighting the need for a fair and transparent election. “We have nothing to lose if we produce candidates of capacity and quality,” Onyia affirmed.
Chukwu’s tenure is set to end on January 10, 2025. He was appointed to lead Ohaneze Ndigbo following the deaths of the previous leaders, Prof. George Obiozor in 2022 and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in 2024.
Chukwu’s leadership was part of an agreement within the Imo Chapter to fill the leadership gap and complete the remainder of the tenure allocated to Imo State.
