The Ohanaeze Progressive Council (OPC) has distanced itself from a statement by the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) declaring the South-East Forum of Former Governors “persona non grata” in Igboland over their endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement, OPC National President, Comrade Ugo Benjamin, described the OYC’s position as “an act of youthful arrogance and cultural sacrilege that has no place in the dignified traditions of Ndigbo.”
“This is not how Igbo people behave,” Benjamin said. “In Igboland, respect for elders, leaders, and statesmen is not optional—it is sacred.
“These elders are accomplished sons of the soil who have served our people with distinction. For a fringe group of loud-mouthed youths to wake up and declare them outcasts is not only laughable but a disgusting display of disrespect that spits on the very face of Igbo culture and tradition.”
He commended the former governors, describing them as “visionary statesmen who have consistently placed the interest of Ndigbo above personal ambition,” noting their developmental achievements and continued contributions to the South-East.
“These are men who have fought for Igbo interest at the national level with courage and intelligence. Their decision to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term is not betrayal—it is strategic patriotism of the highest order.
“It is a bold move to secure the future of our region through engagement, development, and inclusion rather than the childish confrontation and isolation peddled by the OYC,” he said.
Benjamin also praised President Tinubu, describing him as a transformative leader whose administration is delivering results.
“President Tinubu is a man of action, a unifier, and a visionary whose Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real dividends across Nigeria.
“The South-East leaders who have endorsed him understand what many short-sighted youths cannot see: that the path to addressing marginalization is not through endless protest and isolation, but through strategic alliance with a President who respects competence and rewards loyalty.
“Their support is in the best interest of Ndigbo, and history will vindicate them,” he added.
The OPC leader further accused the OYC of seeking relevance and attempting to create division in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
“These so-called youth leaders have no electoral value, no grassroots following, and zero respect for the wisdom of our elders.
“Their disgraceful statement is nothing but political hooliganism and an attempt to blackmail respected leaders who have refused to be used as tools for selfish agendas. We reject it in its entirety,” he said.
He urged Igbo stakeholders to support the former governors and ignore what he described as divisive rhetoric.
“We stand firmly with our leaders and urge all well-meaning Ndigbo to do the same,” Benjamin stated, warning that any continued attempt to disrespect the leaders would be resisted.
“The Ohanaeze Progressive Council stands for responsible youth leadership that uplifts rather than destroys.
“We call on all Igbo sons and daughters to ignore the divisive rantings of the OYC and rally behind the statesmen working tirelessly for the interest of Ala Igbo within the Nigerian project under the capable leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
