IPOB Rejects Mike Okiro, Backs Rivers Candidate for Ohanaeze President-General

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have opposed Mike Okiro’s candidacy for Ohanaeze President-General, supporting Rivers State’s bid to produce the next leader of the apex Igbo group.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have shown their support for Rivers State to nominate the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and they oppose considering former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro from Imo State, for this role.

The position was vacated on July 25, 2025, due to the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at age 82. As the leading Igbo sociocultural organization looks for a successor, discussions have emerged regarding which region should assume the role. Some stakeholders contend that it is Rivers State’s turn in order to ensure equity and inclusivity.

In a statement released on Tuesday, IPOB’s spokesman cautioned Okiro against being influenced by an alleged endorsement from a group with no known identity, reportedly named “Ogbako Egbema,” to run for the leadership of the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization.

Powerful individuals have accused key figures within the Imo State government of orchestrating the endorsement to damage Okiro’s reputation and destabilize Igbo unity.

He mentioned that the President-General position is designated for Igbos in Rivers State, while Okiro hails from Imo State.

The noble family of IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has become aware of a supposed group named ‘Ogbako Egbema’ endorsing Mr. Mike Okiro to run for President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

It is clear that certain powerful figures within the Imo State government are orchestrating efforts to damage Okiro’s reputation and unsettle Ohanaeze Ndigbo, similar to their attempts at undermining Imo State. This anonymous faction acts on behalf of those opposed to Ndigbo, aiming to disrupt Alaigbo.

These individuals cannot undermine Rivers State’s legitimate right to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. While numerous well-intentioned organizations are passionately promoting the unification of all Igbo territories—from Igbanke to Isoko—some remain intent on perpetuating divisive narratives that our adversaries endorse, depicting Igboland as irreparably divided.

IPOB implored Okiro to avoid being influenced into disturbing the unity of the Igbo people.

It stated, “The position of President-General is designated for Igbos from Rivers State. Okiro, who ran against the late Prof. George Obiozor during Imo State’s tenure, was unsuccessful in that election.”

Any individual or group trying to involve Okiro in the conflict with Igbos of Rivers State is intentionally instigating trouble. IPOB will address any such provocation accordingly.

The statement also asserted that IPOB would no longer accept any political manipulation of the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The organization urged Igbo governors and politicians to let it operate as a respected socio-cultural entity rather than serving as an extension of the South-East Governors’ Forum.

IPOB stated that any effort to influence the upcoming election in a way that excludes or denies the Igbos of Rivers State their legitimate opportunity will be strongly opposed. Individuals responsible for such actions will face accountability. The time when Ohanaeze Ndigbo could be used by adversaries to manipulate our political future has come to an end, they declared.