Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns Unauthorised ‘Igbo Day’ in Abuja, Sets FCT Election for October 24
Oru Leonard
The Global Executive Council (GEC), of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has disowned a purported “Igbo Day” event scheduled for September 29, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, describing it as unauthorised.
The organisation, in a statement issued after a stakeholders’ meeting with members of its Abuja (FCT), Chapter, warned members of the public against associating with the event, stressing that it neither authorised nor endorsed the programme.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide did not authorise, endorse, or have any hand in the so-called ‘Igbo Day’. We urge the public to disregard it and refrain from associating with it,” the GEC stated.
The group expressed concern over attempts by individuals to exploit the name, logo and institutional identity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for personal or political purposes, particularly during the current political season.
It reaffirmed that it would not permit the unauthorised use of its name or platform for activities inconsistent with its standards, principles and values.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to restore peace, unity and stability within the FCT Chapter, the GEC has inaugurated an independent Electoral Committee to conduct a fresh general election for the chapter.
The national delegation from the headquarters in Enugu was led by the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, who conveyed the goodwill and directives of the President General, Senator Azuta Mbata.
The President General urged members to uphold peace, unity and the collective interest of Ndigbo.
According to Prince Nwadinobi, the Electoral Committee is mandated to conduct a credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral process, free from external interference.
The FCT Chapter election has been fixed for Saturday, October 24, 2026, while the committee is expected to publish the election guidelines within two weeks.
Members of the Electoral Committee are Chief Ejiofor Onyia, Chairman; Amb. Eddy Onuoha, Deputy Chairman; H.E. Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary; Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Member; Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Member; Chief Charles Nkata, Esq., Member; and Barr. Chizoba Iheka, Member.
In addition, each of the six recognised groups within the FCT Chapter is expected to nominate one representative to the committee.
At the stakeholders’ meeting, representatives of the six groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), committing themselves to the peace pact, the electoral process and all resolutions reached.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Amb. Eddy Onuoha thanked the national delegation for its intervention and assured that the committee would discharge its responsibilities with diligence and impartiality.
Prominent Igbo leaders at the meeting commended the initiative and pledged their support for the peace and electoral process. They included Chief Ibe Nwosu (Igwe I), Prof. Charles Nwekeaku, Barr. Onwu O. Arua, Chief Andrew Ugwu, Odozi Nwodozi, Igwe Raymond Ugwuagbo, Henshaw Ogubike Esq., Mrs. Esther Ezeji and Chief Ifeanyi Nwaka, among others.
The statement was signed by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
