The Igbo Community in Akwa Ibom State, under the umbrella body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has affirmed its endorsement and support for the candidacy of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the next governor of Akwa Ibom State, come May 29th 2015.

The Community equally affirmed its support for President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole presidential flag bearer for a second term. It also promised to “support and vote for all the PDP candidates across Akwa Ibom” in the elections.

This affirmation was contained in a statement issued in Uyo, the state capital and signed by its President, Elder Chukwu Nsii and his executives, a copy of which was made made available to newsmen.

The body, distanced itself from “recent statements published in some local media alleging that the Igbos in the state had endorsed the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Umamah Okon Umanah.

“We completely disassociate ourselves from any recent or planned publication in the media, purportedly emanating from Ohanaeze Ndigbo or any of its wings, and suggesting or claiming that we have endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Umanah Umanah, for that matter, any candidate of the opposition parties,” the statement stated.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo/Igbo Community remains a united platform and is the only group mandated by the Igbos in the state, to speak on their behalf on all issues, including issues of political nature, it added.

The Igbo Community noted that “such statement could undermine the peaceful co-existence currently being enjoyed between the Igbos, the state government and the accommodating indigenes of the state.”

•Photo shows Udom Emmanuel.