Ohanaeze reveals party Igbos will support in 2027

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that it will support any political coalition that guarantees an automatic 2027 presidential ticket for a candidate of Igbo extraction, paired with a Northern running mate.

Ohanaeze emphasized that any political realignment outside this framework is bound to fail.

This position was outlined in a joint statement issued on Tuesday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isigozoro, and Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, and made available to DAILY POST.

Response to El-Rufai’s Defection
Ohanaeze’s statement was in reaction to the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The group strongly criticized El-Rufai, describing him as a “political leper” and a liability to any party he joins, particularly the SDP.

“In light of his past governance and the immense suffering inflicted on the Igbo and Christian communities during his administration, we firmly characterize El-Rufai as a political leper. His alignment with the SDP only taints its credibility,” the statement read.

According to Ohanaeze, El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor (2015–2023) was marked by serious allegations of violence and persecution against Igbos and the Christian populace of Southern Kaduna.

“The scars of the traumatic experiences endured by these communities cannot be ignored. It is imperative that El-Rufai seeks public absolution by issuing a formal apology to Nigerians, Christian leaders, and affected communities for his failure to protect lives and livelihoods amid escalating violence.

“His inability to take responsibility during those turbulent years underscores a critical flaw in his leadership, which must be addressed before he claims any legitimacy in future political engagements.

“Furthermore, he must publicly renounce his 2023 assertions that the Muslim-Muslim APC presidential ticket was designed to establish Islamic political supremacy in Nigeria.

“We demand clarity regarding his role in the insecurity and tragic deaths that plagued Kaduna State under his watch. Until he provides a transparent account and acknowledges his failures, he will remain a political pariah—one whose presence in any political arrangement undermines its integrity.”