The Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide, IGPA, has said that no individual can claim to speak for the entire Igbo nation on political matters.
This follows recent public comments by Mrs. Lauretta Onochie endorsing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Ugochukwu Cyril Nnajiofor, the socio-cultural organization said the clarification was necessary to protect the integrity of Ndigbo and to ensure that political decisions remain with the people.
IGPA acknowledged Mrs. Onochie’s constitutional right to support any candidate of her choice. However, the group stressed that such personal endorsements do not represent the collective position of Igbo people worldwide.
“Recently, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie made public statements endorsing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and suggesting that this is the position of Ndigbo. We respect Mrs. Onochie’s right to her personal opinion. But let it be clear: She speaks for herself, not for the Igbo nation,” the statement read.
The clarification comes amid heightened political discussions ahead of the next general election cycle, where various interest groups have been making endorsements in the name of ethnic and regional blocs.
According to Dr. Nnajiofor, IGPA is a socio-cultural family with members across Nigeria and in the diaspora. The organization said it is not affiliated with any political party and has no religious bias.
“Our only job is the unity, welfare, and progress of our people wherever we are in the world,” the National President stated.
Founded to promote Igbo culture, solidarity, and development, IGPA has chapters in major cities including Onitsha, Enugu, Suleja, London, and Houston. The group often intervenes on matters affecting Igbo welfare, education, and business interests.
In its message, IGPA outlined three key positions on political representation. First, the group said no one person can speak for all of Ndi Igbo. “The Igbo voice is diverse. It belongs to every market woman in Onitsha, every student in Enugu, every professional in London, Houston, and here in Suleja. Not one individual.” IGPA noted that the strength of Ndigbo lies in decentralized decision-making across communities, age grades, town unions, and professional bodies.
Second, the group warned against attempts to present the Igbo vote as a single bloc to be delivered to any politician. “We will not be packaged and handed to any candidate. Our votes, our support, and our future are too important for that,” it stated.
Third, IGPA said that when the time comes, the Igbo people will make decisions based on policy, not sentiment. The key questions, according to the group, will be: “What is your plan for our people? How will you create jobs, protect our businesses, secure our communities, and invest in our future?” “That is how we will decide,” Dr. Nnajiofor said.
The statement emphasized that political diversity within the Igbo nation does not equal division. “Our strength has always been in unity without uniformity. We may support different candidates, but we remain one people — Igbonine! Anyi bu ofu,” the statement concluded.
IGPA also urged media organizations, political actors, and the public to refrain from using individual opinions to represent the entire Igbo ethnic group. “Let no one use personal endorsements to speak in our name,” the group added.
Ethnic and socio-cultural groups in Nigeria often issue statements during election seasons to clarify their positions. Analysts say IGPA’s release is part of a broader effort by civil society to promote issue-based politics over bloc voting.
With the 2027 elections approaching, organizations like IGPA are expected to play a key role in voter education, focusing on accountability, security, economic empowerment, and the protection of Igbo businesses across Nigeria and abroad.