By BONIFACE AKARAH

The South East Democratic Movement (SEDM) has distanced itself from reports claiming it has endorsed any presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that consultations are still ongoing and no decision has been reached.

The clarification was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator and Convener of SEDM, Comrade Okechukwu Cyril-Nwuche, PhD, who said the organisation had neither adopted nor pledged support to any aspirant seeking Nigeria’s highest office.

“We wish to categorically state that the South East Democratic Movement has not endorsed, adopted, or pledged support to any individual seeking the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the forthcoming 2027 elections,” Cyril-Nwuche said.

According to him, the movement remains committed to an extensive consultation process involving stakeholders across the country before taking a position on the presidential contest.

The SEDM described itself as a leading socio-political advocacy platform dedicated to promoting democratic values, good governance, social justice, economic development and the political advancement of the South-East within a united Nigeria.

It said its consultations currently involve political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups, professional associations, civil society organisations and other critical interest groups.

“Our objective is to carefully evaluate the aspirations, manifestoes, competence, character, capacity and commitment of prospective presidential candidates towards addressing the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria and ensuring inclusive national development,” the statement said.

The group stressed that the 2027 presidential election presents Nigerians with a defining opportunity to shape the country’s future through informed choices.

“The South East Democratic Movement believes that the 2027 presidential election presents a critical opportunity for Nigerians to make informed choices that will shape the future of our nation. Consequently, we shall not be stampeded into making a premature endorsement,” it stated.

SEDM also urged members of the public, political actors and the media to disregard reports suggesting it had already settled for a preferred candidate.

“We therefore urge members of the public, political actors, and the media to disregard any present or future statement, publication, or social media post claiming that SEDM has endorsed any candidate. Such claims are false, unauthorized, and do not represent the position of our movement,” Cyril-Nwuche said.

The group, however, disclosed that its eventual position on the presidential race would be made public after the conclusion of its consultations and internal deliberations.

“We wish to assure Nigerians that upon the conclusion of our consultations and internal deliberations, the South East Democratic Movement will publicly unveil and formally announce the presidential candidate that it considers most suitable to receive its support,” the statement added.

SEDM reaffirmed its commitment to issue-based politics, saying it would ultimately support leadership capable of guaranteeing security, economic prosperity, national unity, infrastructural development and a better future for Nigerians.