John Nwodo Rejects Appointment to Peter Mbah’s Campaign Council, Cites Political Neutrality

Former Minister of Information and immediate past President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo Jnr., has rejected his appointment as a member of Governor Peter Mbah’s Gubernatorial Campaign Council in Enugu State, citing his commitment to political neutrality.

Nwodo communicated his decision in a letter dated October 28, 2026, addressed to Governor Mbah, after a media publication listed him among members of the governor’s campaign council.

In the letter, the former minister thanked Mbah for considering him for the position but explained that accepting the appointment would conflict with his decision to remain nonpartisan.

He said his former position as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo required him to maintain neutrality and serve as a father figure to people across political divides rather than participate in partisan activities within the state.

“As President-General of Ohanaeze, I swore whilst I was in that office to be nonpartisan. I believe, out of that office, I should remain a father and in that respect be completely nonpartisan in our local politics in Igboland,” he stated.

Nwodo also disclosed that he was not a member of any political party and intended to remain politically unaffiliated for the rest of his life. He said this would allow him to intervene in disputes involving politicians and political parties in Igboland.

“I presently have no membership card of any political party and I intend to keep it so until I die. This, I believe, will enable me to intervene as a father in any intra-party disputes amongst Igbos in politics,” he said.

The former Ohanaeze leader stressed that his decision was not a personal rejection of Governor Mbah and would not affect their relationship. He also assured the governor that he remained available to offer advice on issues affecting the state.

“This decision has nothing to do with you particularly. I however open my doors to all politicians in the State to enable me to continue to counsel them on love and unity amongst all of you,” he wrote.

Nwodo further requested that the governor direct his staff to remove his name from campaign-related announcements and publications, including the list of members of the campaign council.

He reaffirmed his personal relationship with Mbah, describing the governor as a friend and pledging to continue offering him what he called genuine and patriotic counsel.

“This decision will in no way affect my personal relationship with you as a friend or my genuine and patriotic counsel to you as my governor,” he added.