Ohanaeze Faction Knocks ADC
There are indications that Igbo leaders are divided over the ongoing opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, as a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, declared that the coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) lacks the capacity to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who identifies himself as the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, made the claim in a statement on Monday.
However, the leadership of the sociocultural organisation under Senator John Azuta-Mbata disowned Isiguzoro’s comments, describing him as an impostor.
Daily Trust reports that opposition leaders recently formed a coalition and adopted the ADC as their platform to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
But in his statement, the factional Ohanaeze leader alleged that the coalition’s presidential aspirants include individuals of questionable character who are linked to an “insatiable pursuit of state capture.”
He said, “In no uncertain terms, we assert that the ADC is a certified congregation of strange bedfellows, united by a singular, nefarious agenda of state capture against the collective interests of Nigerians. It manifestly lacks the requisite capacity to unseat and dislodge an incumbent president as fortified as Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns the assemblage of politicians within the ADC and echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians—particularly Ndigbo—who are profoundly disenchanted by this coalition.
“At the appropriate time, all ADC presidential aspirants will be reminded of their transgressions against the Southeast.
“In light of these sentiments, Ohanaeze reaffirms its earlier position—Igbo support for President Tinubu remains sacrosanct.
“We categorically refute any endorsement of the ADC-led opposition coalition in the 2027 elections. During the recent Igbo Day celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, Igbo leaders from diverse backgrounds convened and resolved to withdraw support from opposition parties in favour of embracing the current administration under the esteemed President Tinubu. This collective decision is steadfast and will not be altered.
“It is imperative this stark reality be conveyed to ADC coalition leaders. The prevailing truths are sobering and backed by irrefutable evidence. Many close associates and ministers of President Tinubu have earned Nigerians’ trust through exemplary performance across critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, and policy in the Federal Capital Territory. The ADC’s northern leaders face insurmountable hurdles in securing victory in the North,” he added.
However, Ezechi Chukwu, spokesperson of the Azuta-Mbata-led faction, told Daily Trust that the individual who issued the statement on behalf of Ohanaeze “must be an impostor.”
According to him, “Ohanaeze has not spoken or taken a position on the new coalition. It is not partisan and does not dabble in the internal dynamics of political parties.
“The position of Ohanaeze is very clear on national issues. We advocate restructuring to unbundle the centre and enable true federalism, devolution of powers, and resource control to promote healthy competition among the federating units.
“In the interim, Ohanaeze has no hand in the emergence of the ADC or its coalition. We are not part of their programme or agenda. We are not affiliated with them, nor involved in assessing their viability vis-à-vis the ruling party.
“The person issuing a statement on behalf of Ohanaeze is unknown to the leadership. The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is Senator John Azuta-Mbata. Anyone claiming any position outside the leadership inaugurated in Enugu on 10 January 2025 is an impostor.”
Daily Trust reports that the election of the Azuta-Mbata-led Ohanaeze in January was attended by governors, senators, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders from the seven constitutionally recognised Igbo states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers.