…Denies endorsement of candidates
Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, over the weekend disclosed that the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC) was not ready to conduct a free and credible election in Anambra state.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, by the Engr. Chidi-Ibeh led Ohaneze, the group claimed INEC, was not prepared for the Anambra governorship election slated for Nov. 6, 2021.
Secretary-General of the Igbo group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted in the statement that the electoral umpire was being economical with the truth as it concerns insecurity and other challenges facing it towards conducting a free, fair and credible election in Anambra state.
He said with the resignation of most of the certified adhoc staff and personnel for the exercise especially those from the National Youth Service Corp, (NYSC) that there would be alleged attempts to use a particular political party’s foot soldiers as adhoc personnel for the election with coverage of heavy security agents.
“Ndi Anambra should resist the temptation to boycott the polling stations and units, as the only way to checkmate this rogue operation is for the people to man their respective polling units “, he advised
The group also debunked claims that it endorsed some candidates.
Stating: “Ohaneze Ndigbo has no preferred or anointed governorship candidate in the forthcoming November 6th election, as we discovered that some street urchins and political delinquents are violating the constitution of Ohaneze Ndigbo, going from one guber candidate to another for unauthorized and dubious endorsements.
”According to Ohaneze constitution, the apex socio-cultural Igbo Organization will remain neutral in all elections involving two or more Igbo people in a state or federal. Most especially, in governorship elections, even if there is need for that, the highest decision making organs, IMEOBI and GENERAL ASSEMBLY, must deliberate on it and give authorization for it. But the last IMEOBI and GENERAL ASSEMBLY were held on 30th December 2020 and Anambra election was never discussed “.
“We categorically denounce and disown all monetary induced endorsements in the name of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Anambra election, and urge the victims of these fraudulent endorsements to work very hard to convince Ndi Anambra to vote for them.”
“Sit at home must be ignored or else there will be a RUGA Governor to cancel the anti-grazing Law signed by Anambra Government. It’s mandatory for all eligible voters in Anambra to come out en mass and vote their conscience and defend their votes jealously in the November 6th Anambra Guber election”, he added.