The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated its dedication to peace, unity, inclusiveness, and the collective advancement of the party, while reaffirming Dr. JohnPaul Anih as its state chairman. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ugwueze.
Ugwueze emphasized that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening the party's structure across the state and preparing it for future political engagements. He urged all members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and law-abiding, and to disregard any statements that could incite confusion or division within the party.
The statement came in response to a claim by Izuchukwu Obetta, who allegedly declared himself the “authentic chairman” of the NDC in Enugu State. Ugwueze described such a publication as a flagrant abuse of privilege and a deliberate attempt to mislead party members and the public regarding the party's true leadership structure in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the duly conducted state congress of the party in Enugu State produced Dr. Johnpaul Anih as the substantive State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The congress was attended by delegates, stakeholders, and party faithful from across the 17 local government areas of the state and followed the constitutional guidelines of the party and the Electoral Act,” Ugwueze stated.
He further noted that the recently concluded National Convention marked the end of all protem or interim leadership structures within the party, thereby making every duly elected officer across different levels the legitimate and recognised leaders of the NDC. “It is therefore unacceptable for any individual to disregard the outcome of a valid congress and resort to self-declaration through media propaganda. Leadership positions within the NDC are not obtained through personal claims or public drama, but through recognized democratic processes and constitutional procedures of the party,” he added.
Ugwueze reaffirmed the party's commitment to peace, unity, inclusiveness, and collective growth under Anih's leadership, stressing that efforts are ongoing to fortify the party structure statewide and prepare for future political engagements. The statement called on all party members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and law-abiding, and to ignore any statements capable of causing confusion or division.
It further advised all aggrieved persons to seek redress through lawful and internal party mechanisms instead of engaging in unnecessary media confrontations that could damage the NDC's image. “We also warn all aspirants in the party to, as a matter of urgency, desist from sending money into the personal accounts of individuals claiming to be at the helm of affairs of the party. Reports reaching the leadership of the party indicate that some unsuspecting aspirants and supporters are being misled into making payments through unauthorised channels. The party therefore advises members to desist from paying any amount into individual accounts to avoid falling victim to deception and financial exploitation,” the statement concluded.
