Ohanaeze Youth Wing Slams “Impostor,” Defends Southeast Leaders Over Tinubu Endorsement

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected and dismantled claims by one Igboayaka Igboayaka, describing his declaration of former South-East governors as persona non grata as baseless, reckless, and illegitimate.

Igboayaka, who claims to be President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, had launched a scathing attack on prominent Southeast leaders for endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among those he accused of political betrayal are David Umahi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Sullivan Chime, and Chris Ngige.

But in a swift and strongly worded response, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, dismissed Igboayaka as an impostor, urging the public to ignore what he described as “the antics of a political fraudster.”

Okwu condemned the move as unjustifiable, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to declare respected leaders persona non grata simply for expressing political preferences.

“It is within the rights of former governors and indeed every Nigerian to support any candidate ahead of the 2027 elections,” he stated, adding that the era of publicly insulting leaders over political differences is over.

He further warned that the Southeast would no longer tolerate what he termed “political rascality,” insisting that influence must be earned through persuasion, not coercion or intimidation.

The Ohanaeze youth leader also defended the integrity and legacy of the affected leaders, describing them as distinguished figures who have served their states meritoriously.

He singled out personalities like Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu for their continued impact, while praising Umahi’s performance as Minister of Works.

Okwu also raised alarm over alleged sponsorship, warning that those behind Igboayaka’s actions would soon be exposed if they fail to desist.

As political alignments intensify ahead of 2027, the development highlights growing tensions within regional blocs and underscores the battle for influence in the Southeast.