Atiku Commends Peaceful Ohanaeze Election, Urges Unity Among Igbos

Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the new President-General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Azuta-Mbata, a former Senator representing Rivers East from 1999 to 2007 under the PDP, emerged as the 13th President-General of the organisation in an election held in Enugu on Friday. He succeeds Fidelis Chukwu, whose tenure concluded the same day. Azuta-Mbata, originally from the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, will lead the group alongside other newly elected executives.

Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State was elected as the National Deputy President, while former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Emeka Sibeidu, will serve as the new Secretary-General. Fourteen additional executives were also elected during the process.

Commending the Election Process
In a press statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku praised the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election, emphasizing the crucial role played by the South-East Governors’ Forum in ensuring fairness and a smooth leadership transition.

Atiku lauded Azuta-Mbata’s extensive experience as a lawmaker and administrator, expressing confidence that the combined expertise of the newly elected executives will help advance the organisation’s mission.

Call for Unity and Collaboration
Highlighting the importance of unity, Atiku stressed the need for the new leadership to promote peace and tolerance across ethnic and socio-political lines. He encouraged the executives to not only strengthen Igbo solidarity but also collaborate with other cultural groups across Nigeria.

Atiku described Azuta-Mbata’s election as a pivotal moment for the organisation, signaling a new phase of progress, unity, and development. He urged the new leadership to work towards national peace, stability, and socioeconomic advancement through intercommunal cooperation.