The Ohaneze Ndigbo has apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari over the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by Nnia Nwodo, its president-general.

The group led by Uche Okwukwu, its secretary-general, told Buhari that Nwodo is on an indefinite suspension pending the outcome of a nine-man panel to investigate “acts of misconduct and abuse of office as well as bringing Ohaneze to public disgrace”, submits its report.

Ohaneze Ndigbo, Association of Eze Ndigbo in 19 northern states, the World Igbo Congress and the World Igbo Union, paid a courtesy call on Buhari at the presidential villa on Friday.

According to Okwukwu, the indefinite suspension of Nwodo bordered on the endorsement of Atiku.

At a summit of Nigerian elders, Ohaneze Ndigbo joined the socio-political groups which endorsed Atiku.

Okwukwu said the Igbo identify with Buhari’s achievements of improving ease of doing business in the south-east, assuring him that they will vote massively for him and resist any attempt to manipulate or rig the elections.

Responding, Buhari said he was impressed by the show of support from the regional body, which demonstrates unity in diversity.

He said diversity is our biggest asset as a nation and it must be applied in the development of the nation.

The president said the perpetrators of crime whether in security, economy and corruption are from all ethnic groups and that his administration will not discriminate in its response.

He said he has identified key challenges for all regions and he will do his best to address them.