The Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) has accused South-East Governors of hijacking the recent Ohanaeze Ndigbo elections.

According to a statement issued by the group’s Director-General, Rev. Obinna Akukwe, the governors conspired to manipulate the election process, keeping the venue and delegate lists secret until the last minute.

The group claims that the South-East governors worked to install a Senator from Rivers State, Senator Azuta Mbata, as the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

According to Punch, the IMC further revealed that the venue of the election was disclosed only on the morning of the event, with strict security measures and a list of pre-selected delegates from the governors’ circles.

These delegates were allegedly paid millions of naira for their loyalty, while others received lesser amounts, both through electronic transfers.

The statement also accused the governors of pressuring former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro to withdraw from the race in favor of Senator Mbata, though Okiro initially refused.

The IMC criticized the role of the governors in past elections, including the imposition of leaders such as Chief Nnia Nwodo, and condemned the current electoral process as fraudulent.

The group has called on all Igbo stakeholders to challenge the governors’ interference and remove their influence from the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.