The Global Executive Council (GEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has disowned a purported “Igbo Day” event reportedly scheduled for 29th September 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, describing it as unauthorised and warning members of the public to steer clear of it.
In a statement by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary, issued after a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the Abuja (FCT) Chapter, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said it was neither aware of nor involved in the planning of the event, a statement Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide noted.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide did not authorise, endorse, or have any hand in the so-called ‘lgbo Day’. We urge the public to disregard it and refrain from associating with it,” the GEC stated.
The organisation expressed concern over attempts by certain individuals to exploit the name and identity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for personal or political purposes, particularly during the ongoing political season.
It reiterated that it will not permit the unauthorised use of its name, logo, or institutional platform for activities inconsistent with its standards, principles, and values.
As part of ongoing efforts to restore peace, unity and stability in the Abuja Chapter, the GEC inaugurated an independent Electoral Committee to conduct a fresh general election for the Chapter.
The delegation from the National 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.
Prince Nwadinobi disclosed that the Committee’s mandate is to deliver a credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral process, free from external interference.
The FCT Chapter election has been scheduled for Saturday, 24th October 2026. The Electoral 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
- Barr. Chizoba Iheka– Member
In addition, each of the six recognised groups in the FCT Chapter is to nominate one representative to the Committee.
At the meeting, representatives of all six groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), committing to the peace pact, the electoral process, and all resolutions reached.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Amb. Eddy Onuoha thanked the National delegation and assured that the Committee would discharge its duties with diligence and impartiality.
Prominent Igbo leaders in attendance commended the initiative and pledged 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, Chief Ifeanyi Nwaka, and others.
