A senatorial aspirant for Enugu West Senatorial District under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ogochukwu Onyema, has shed light on the political transitions that led him to join the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting of the NDC in Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Onyema stated that the move was made following consultations and directives from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, whom he referred to as the leader of the movement.
The senatorial hopeful explained that the meeting was convened to update party stakeholders and supporters on the latest political direction adopted by Obi and his allies. According to him, the coalition initially sought refuge in various political parties after what he described as 'machinations' by the ruling party aimed at destabilizing opposition platforms linked to Obi.
Onyema disclosed that he personally moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party with the intention of contesting the Senate seat under that platform, but internal crises forced him out. He subsequently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), considered the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and later moved into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, he alleged that each platform eventually became embroiled in disputes and litigations.
'We eventually found solace in ADC and groomed the party, but at the point of nominations for the 2027 elections, issues came up again. We saw a lot of landmines and calculated attempts to frustrate politicians and create a one-party system,' he said.
The lawyer and politician revealed that a crucial meeting was held on May 4, 2026, at the residence of the national leader of the NDC in Guzape District, Abuja, where Obi reportedly directed members of the coalition to immediately defect to the NDC. According to him, the directive followed unresolved leadership disputes and litigations within the ADC.
'The message to the press and followers was that we should all now port to NDC and vacate ADC because of the numerous factions and leadership issues that would not allow fruitful democratic engagement,' Onyema stated.
He further claimed that membership of the NDC surged significantly after the announcement, adding that registration of intending members and aspirants was ongoing ahead of the submission of the party register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Onyema, who said he was contesting for the Senate seat for the fourth time, maintained that his previous failures were not due to lack of popularity but because of political interests against his ambition. 'I have not gone to the Senate not because people do not like me or believe in me, but because the powers that be denied me nomination,' he said.
The senatorial aspirant added that he had worked with three consecutive governors in Enugu State over a period spanning 24 years in Government House before deciding to pursue his political ambition independently. He also described the 2027 race as his final attempt at the Senate.
'This will be my last time to contest for Senate in Enugu West. If I am not nominated, you will never see me contesting for Senate again,' he declared.
Onyema said instructions had already been passed to ward chairmen and executives of the ADC across the five local government areas of Enugu West Senatorial District to defect to the NDC. 'We are for NDC and we are for Peter Obi. We believe the salvation of Nigeria will come through this movement,' he added.
The politician also expressed confidence in clinching both the party ticket and the senatorial seat, insisting that the support base he enjoys across the district remained strong.
