Ohanaeze Ndigbo is embroiled in fresh crisis as a new faction of the socio-political group has emerged.
This is coming hours after Professor George Obiozor was declared the president-general of the socio-political group in the South-East Region.
Obiozor, a former Nigerian ambassador to the United States, Israel, and Cyprus to emerge the winner in an election held at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State capital.
After Goddy Uwazurike and Eze Chukwuyere Nwebo stepped down, Obiozor polled an unassailable 304 votes to beat two other contenders- Uju Okoro (three votes), and Valentine Oparaocha (15 votes).
For the position of the Deputy Vice President, Obi Nwali was returned unopposed while Okey Egbuche emerged as secretary-general just as Beatrice Eze emerged unopposed as treasurer.
Other executive members are Batholomew Okere (financial secretary), and Alex Ogbonna (national publicity secretary).
But in the new twist, factional VP Okwuwu described the election conducted in Owerri by the electoral committee led by Chief Gary Igariewe as illegal, null and void, The Nation reports.
In a statement released hours after Obiozor was declared the new leader of the group, he said the legality of the election is still a subject before the court.
“How can an election be conducted after the expiration of term of office? Even the Nigerian state does not conduct election outside term of office of an executive.
“If what is about to happen in Owerri had happened in the larger Nigeria, Ndigbo would have condemned it.”
But on Saturday, Engr. Chidi Ibeh, MFR, a former commissioner in Imo State, was reportedly elected in Enugu as President-General in the election.
The election organised by the Prince Richard Ozobu-led election committee raised by the former embattled Secretary-General, Uche Okwukwu, who incidentally was elected deputy president general.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro emerged as secretary general. Ozobu reportedly told reporters that the election was held in Enugu in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
The group has accused Chief Nnia Nwodo-led executive whose reign came to an end on the midnight of January 9, 2021, in collaboration with chairman of Ohanaeze Elders Council (OEC), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu of manipulation to hand over power to Obiozor.
