By Ejike Ikezuagu – UK
The sons and daughters of Imo State have unanimously nominated High Chief Chima Oparaugo as their first choice for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, following a consultative gathering led by the president, Imo state Union Elders, High Chief Dr Nick Chikwe held last Thursday, Ogene Ndigbo Newspaper gathered.
The nomination reflects a growing consensus around Chief Chima Oparaugo’s leadership qualities, cultural stewardship, and longstanding commitment to Igbo unity and progress. His emergence as the preferred candidate among the contestants signals a renewed momentum within the diasporas to strengthen the organizational cohesion, amplify advocacy efforts, and elevate the voice of Ndigbo nationally and international.
Chief Chima Oparaugo was the former President, Imo State Union UK, before, Chief Vickman Ekwueme emerged few months ago as the Union’s President.
In accordance with directives issued by Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, a high-level nomination meeting was convened last Thursday by the leadership of Imo State Union Elders UK alongside Imo State Union UK, the principal organization representing the people of Imo State across the United Kingdom.
High Chief Chima Oparaugo & Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu.
The meeting was jointly presided over by Chief Chikwe, President of the Imo State Union Elders Forum, and Chief Vickman Ekwueme, President of Imo State Union UK, acting on the mandate of Imo State Union UK.
The gathering was tasked with nominating qualified candidates to contest for the position of President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, ahead of the scheduled election on 15th November 2025 in London.
Following deliberations and consultations with community stakeholders, High Chief Chima Oparaugo was nominated as the first-choice candidate, reflecting broad support from Imo indigenes across the UK and signalling a strong desire for visionary leadership, unity, and renewed advocacy within the diaspora.
The nomination process was conducted with transparency, cultural decorum, and a shared commitment to strengthening Igbo organizational integrity in the United Kingdom.
As part of the nomination process for the upcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK Presidential Election scheduled for 15th November 2025, the three aspirants were asked to present their leadership vision before the Imo State Union UK and other stakeholders.
The aspirants, High Chief Chima Oparaugo, lord Okey, and Chief Dikeoha were each given the floor to articulate their plans for leading the organization if nominated and elected. The session was marked by respectful engagement, strategic proposals, and a shared commitment to Igbo unity and diaspora advancement.
High Chief Chima Oparaugo and lord Okey both presented their manifestos, outlining key priorities such as organizational reform, diaspora mobilization, and enhanced advocacy for justice and security.
Chief Dikeoha, while participating in the dialogue, did not present a written manifesto during the session.
Following a transparent and orderly nomination ballot, the results of the presidential nomination vote have been officially recorded.
A total of thirty-one (31) votes were cast by members. The outcome is as follows:
High Chief Chima Oparaugo received 25 votes, securing a decisive majority and emerging as the first-choice nominee for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, lord Okey received six (6) votes, and Chief Dikeoha received one (1) vote, which was self-cast.
Following the successful conclusion of the nomination ballot, the two aspirants have been formally presented to the organization’s leadership for the next stage of the presidential election process.
High Chief Chima Oparaugo, who secured 25 out of 31 votes, has been nominated as the first-choice candidate for the position of President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK.
lord Okey, who received six (6) votes, has been nominated as the second-choice candidate.
These nominations have been duly submitted to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, currently led by Lady Aqueen Ibeto, for further consideration and ratification in accordance with the organization’s electoral guidelines.
The final election is scheduled to take place on 15th November 2025 in London and is expected to mark a new chapter in the leadership and strategic direction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK.
The nomination process was marked by transparency, unity, and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of Ndigbo in the diaspora. All aspirants were given equal opportunity to present their vision, with manifestos submitted by two candidates.
Key stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the proceedings.
Chief Nick Chikwe, President of the Imo State Union Elders, praised the process as “wonderful and clear,” affirming that High Chief Chima Oparaugo was the best candidate and “won handsomely.” He commended the aspirants for their participation and expressed deep appreciation to the elders and organizers for ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive selection process.
High Chief Dr Nick Chikwe.
The election was conducted in the esteemed presence of Chief Anthony Ajiduah, former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, and Lolo Ezinne Ezechi, the current Deputy President of the organization. Their attendance underscored the importance of the process and reinforced the commitment to transparency, unity, and due process, Chief Chikwe said.
On the issue of eligibility as raised by lord Okey, Chief Anthony Ajiduah, clearly stated that “all the three candidates contesting for the position of President had met the constitutional requirements of two years to stand for the election”, he concluded.
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