Anambra 2025: Ohaneze to evaluate candidates, advise on the best to be voted for

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By Madu Obi

Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio - cultural organization, has said that it will evaluate the candidates that have been nominated by their political parties based on their manifestos to enable them advise on the best to be voted for during the November 8 governorship election.

Speaking during an enlightenment retreat for the elected officials of the Anambra State branch of Ohaneze, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, explained that the measure is to ensure that the best candidate that will secure the best deal for the people, will be elected the next governor of the state.

“This is an election year and we are urging our executive members of Ohaneze not to tilt to any political party. Rather, we should champion Igbo interests at all times.

We also have a duty to ensure that there is no voter apathy and that the people come out in their numbers to participate in their civic responsibility.

We will also work to ensure a stable environment that will enable the people to participate in the elections", he said.

He said that Ohaneze will use the November 8 governorship election in the state to champion the political welfare, development and promotion of Ndigbo as a nation in Nigeria on a non-partisan basis.

According to him, the enlightenment retreat was part of measures to galvanize its various organs for greater efficiency.

He added that the retreat was also a mechanism to galvanize and uphold the core values of the Igbo nation with special reference to Anambra State.

Okpalaezeukwu explained that under his leadership, Ohaneze will ensure that its functionaries were alive to their responsibilities, to be able to fulfill their mandate.

He said the organization has activated its various organs for greater performance, especially at the community level, and expressed optimism that the retreat will make a positive impact in the workings of the organization in the state.

In a keynote presentation, the former national Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene said Ohanaeze leaders must begin to carry themselves as leaders of the Igbo nation, urging them to lead by example.

He also urged officials of Ohaneze to avoid controversial statements that could destabilize the organization, advising them to always follow its hierarchy to ensure unity of purpose.

“Ohaneze operates as a family and any internal crisis must be settled amicably. The success of the present Ohaneze Anambra leadership is solely dependent on your support,” Okeke-Ogene said.

Also speaking, the immediate past state president of the organization, Chief Chukwuemekalum Udodeme urged the organization to focus on strengthening Ohaneze Ndigbo at the local government level.

He urged them to respect the government of the day, as it is the policy of the organization, saying they should shun programmes that will undermine the image of the group.

The immediate past chairman of the state Association of Town Union, ASATU, Barr Titus Akpudo said the new Ohaneze leadership in Anambra State has a duty to rally support for the organization.

He also warned against divisive tendencies that could destroy the growth and progress of the association.