AS the Igbo nation looks towards the 2025 Election for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a new chapter is about to unfold that could either restore the people’s trust or deepen the fractures. This election is not just about filling an office; it is about the future of the Igbos, about proving that Ohanaeze is a true reflection of unity, transcending regional differences and forging a collective destiny.
In a recent paper, the outgoing President General, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu, has set the stage with a clear vision for the future leadership of Ohanaeze, outlining the qualities and criteria that would guide the election process. In other words, he is saying that leadership must be built on the proper foundations.
The qualities that the President-General outlined for the future leaders of Ohanaeze should be the bedrock of this transition. These attributes are not just abstract ideals but practical necessities. The leaders of tomorrow must be individuals who understand Igbo culture, history, and traditions and articulate and promote them with clarity and purpose. They must be familiar with the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Igbo journey and be equipped to carry the torch of unity forward.
Nze Ozichukwualso emphasised the need for visionary thinking, strategic planning, and community engagement. Community engagementis not just about governance; it’s about bringing the Igbo people together to build a stronger, more united future. It’s about ensuring that the dreams of the Igbo youth, the hopes of women, and the aspirations of older people are all reflected in the leadership of Ohanaeze.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the apex body representing the Igbo nation, is entrusted with more than just administrative duties. It is tasked with ensuring the welfare, progress, security, and cultural advancement of Igbos across the globe. This responsibility is so profound that it requires more than just a leader with formal qualifications; it requires a person who is a custodian of the Igbo spirit, one who understands the deep-rooted traditions that have bound the Igbo together for centuries.
Therefore, the call for cultural competence, respect for Igbo heritage, and knowledge of Igbo history is not just about ticking boxes; it is a clarion call to preserve what makes the Igbo people unique. The Igbo spirit, forged in the fires of struggle and triumph, needs leaders who can rekindle hope and possess the wisdom to chart a course through the challenges of the modern world. The chosen leadership will either uplift the Igbo people or, if mishandled, burden them with uncertainty.
The great Igbo philosopher and sage Chinua Achebe once said, “The problem with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” The same can be said for Ohanaeze if itfails to elect a leader who understands that leadership is not about power or prestige but about service to the people and commitment to the greater good. This election is a chance to break free from the past, to put aside personal interests and divisions, and to move forward together as one united people.
However, the most crucial factor is ensuring the election is conducted with absolute transparency and fairness, particularly now that Rivers Stateis set to produce the next President General.This process must be undertakento remove doubt that a dichotomy exists between the Igbos of the South-East and those from the South-South. The election must demonstrate the inclusivity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which is meant to be a unifying force for all Igbos, regardless of their geographical background.
This transparency will help erase any lingering suspicion that specific communities within Igbo land are being overlooked or denied the chance to lead. It must be clear that leadership rotation within the Ohanaeze Charter is not a theoretical principle but a practised reality. Rivers State’s turn to produce the next president-general must reflect this commitment to fairness and equal representation.
By ensuring a fair process, Ohanaeze can reinforce its cardinal principle of leadership rotation, showing that leadership is not restricted to one part of the Igbo nation but is shared by all. The leaders who emerge from this election must uphold this principle, not only in words but also in action. If properly executed, the process will rest any misunderstandings or ill feelings some Igbos may have about being sidelined or denied their rightful place in leadership.
A transparent election would exemplify that Ohanaeze is an umbrella for all Igbos, regardless of their place of origin. The Igbos from Rivers and all other parts of the country must be able to trust that Ohanaeze leadership will represent and respect their agitations and concerns. This is especially crucial when the Igbo nation faces significant challenges, including rising insecurity in the Southeast, heavy military and police presence, inadequate infrastructure, underrepresentation at the federal level, and the pressing need to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The leaders who emerge from this election, particularly the new President General, must demonstrate a deep commitment to addressing these issues. They must roll up their sleeves and work tirelessly for the collective good of the Igbo nation, prioritising unity and progress over personal interests or divisions. It is not enough to hold office; the incoming leadership must act urgently to confront the Igbo people’s existential threats and work to alleviate the suffering many are enduring.
Therefore, the challenge for Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not only to elect a leader who meets the criteria of integrity, cultural competence, and leadership skills but also to heal the wounds caused by past mismanagement, divisions, and perceived marginalisation. Ohanaeze must emerge from this election as an organisation that is genuinely accountable to the Igbo people, operating transparently and serving the collective good rather than the interests of a few.
The perception that Ohanaeze’s leadership is “toothless” or pursuing personal agendas must be confronted head-on. The election of a new President General is an opportunity to change that narrative. The organisation must demonstrate that it can advocate effectively for the Igbo people, raise their concerns with the government, and work tirelessly for their welfare.
The Igbos, who have long faced an uphill battle against insecurity and underdevelopment, need leadership that is not just ceremonial but proactive. The heavy presence of military and police forces in the Southeast is a stark reminder of the region’s challenges.
The abysmal infrastructure development in Igbo land, the lack of political representation at the federal level, and the ongoing fight for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are all matters that require leadership with both vision and resolve.
Accordingly, it is time for the Igbo nation to heal the divisions that have hindered its progress. Now is the moment to move forward, not as individual states or regions, but as one united Igbo nation. Together, the people must work to build a better and stronger future for themselves and the generations to come. As they vote in this election, they should remember that they are not simply electing a leader but reaffirming their collective commitment to one another as Igbos, united by a shared history, culture, and destiny.
Credit: The Sun