By Austin Oyibode
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has thrown its weight behind Senator Ned Nwoko as the preferred candidate for the Delta North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
In an official statement signed by its National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, and released on April 24, 2025, the organisation hailed Nwoko as a “true advocate for the Igbo agenda” and “a steadfast champion for Anioma State.”
Senator Nwoko, currently representing Delta North, was praised for his unwavering commitment to Igbo cultural heritage and his vocal advocacy for the creation of Anioma State.
Ohanaeze described the push for Anioma state as more than a political move, calling it a “heartfelt embodiment of the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.”
The organisation expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would address what it called “historical injustices” by supporting the statehood initiative before the 2027 general elections. Ohanaeze suggested such a move would galvanise Igbo support for the administration and its allies.
In a direct message to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the group urged him to support Nwoko’s senatorial ambition instead of entering the race himself.
Ohanaeze warned that Okowa’s potential candidacy, following his recent bid for the vice presidency, might be viewed as a political step backwards and out of sync with the “broader aspirations of the Anioma people.”
The statement also criticised Okowa for what it described as a lack of engagement with major Igbo programs during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023. “His consistent avoidance of major Igbo initiatives raises critical questions regarding his commitment to the collective welfare of the Igbo nation,” the statement read.
Citing a quote from Igbo leader Omenazu Jackson—”A leader becomes a monumental suspect if his aspirations and conduct are antithetical to the people he claims to lead”—Ohanaeze underscored the importance of authenticity and alignment with community interests in political representation.
Declaring there is “no vacancy” for the Delta North Senatorial seat in 2027, the group said the Anioma people and the wider Igbo community are united in ensuring Senator Nwoko’s re-election. Ohanaeze also reiterated its commitment to properly vetting all future political office holders in Igbo land, declaring an end to “third eleven representations.”
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Ohanaeze called on all Anioma people to rally behind Nwoko, whose leadership they believe offers a hopeful and progressive future for the region.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
NED NWOKO: THE CHAMPION OF ANIOMA STATE – A UNANIMOUS CHOICE FOR NDIGBO IN 2027 DELTA NORTH SENATORIAL ELECTION
In the rapidly evolving political landscape of Delta North, the apex sociocultural organization of the Igbo Nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stands resolutely in support of Prince Sen Ned Nwoko as the most suitable candidate for the Senate seat in the upcoming 2027 elections. Senator Nwoko’s unwavering commitment to the Igbo people, coupled with his distinguished track record of integrity, positions him far above any other contenders for such position.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently acknowledges and commends Senator Ned Nwoko’s boldness in embracing and promoting Igbo cultural heritage. His fervent advocacy for the creation of the sixth Igbo state—Anioma State—is not merely a political gesture; it is a heartfelt embodiment of the legitimate aspirations of the Igbo people.
This initiative resonates profoundly across the Igbo diaspora, who remain optimistic that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will recognize and address the historical injustices faced by the Igbo nation by facilitating this monumental creation before the 2027 elections. Such a gesture would undoubtedly evoke a robust response of support from the Igbo electorate in the approaching elections.
In stark contrast, Ohanaeze Ndigbo hereby calls upon Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to throw his political weight behind Sen Nwoko in this regard.
While we fully acknowledge his constitutional right to pursue any political office, we must assert that his candidacy for the Senate if he intend’s, after previously seeking the vice presidency, may be perceived as a notable regression in his political journey. Such a move would not only diminish his stature but also contradict the broader aspirations of the Igbo people, who have long sought authentic leadership that genuinely aligns with their interests.
Moreover, it is imperative to address the glaring absence of Dr. Okowa from the sacred endeavors championed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo during his tenure as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023. His consistent avoidance of major Igbo programs and initiatives raises critical questions regarding his commitment to the collective welfare of the Igbo Nation. In the eyes of the Igbo populace, this disassociation has diminished his credibility as a representative of Igbo aspirations, thereby rendering Senator Ned Nwoko’s pro-Igbo stance unequivocally superior in this political equation.
“A leader becomes a monumental suspect if his aspirations and conduct is antithetical to the people he claims to lead” Omenazu Jackson.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly declares that there exists no vacancy for the Delta North Senatorial seat in 2027. The Igbo Nation stands united in mobilizing the Anioma people to ensure an overwhelming return of Senator Ned Nwoko to the National Assembly and the Senate Chambers. His political leadership is not merely embraced; it is celebrated and acknowledged as a beacon of hope for our community and as a representative voice for our collective interests.
The current leadership of Ohanaeze stance that all political office holders in Igbo land with be vetted properly is unwavering. The time for third eleven representations is clinically over.
As we approach the 2027 elections, let us rally together in support of Senator Ned Nwoko, a true advocate for the Igbo agenda and a steadfast champion for Anioma State. We trust and believe that his leadership will continue to illuminate the path toward progress and unity for all Ndigbo.
Chief Thompson Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
24th April 2025
