A leadership tussle has enveloped the Enugu State Chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the authenticity of the party’s chairman in the state.
Although Dr JohnPaul Anih, emerged as chairman of the party during the recent state Congress of the party monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held in Enugu , one Engr. Ibuchukwu Obetta has reportedly reaffirmed himself as state chairman of the party.
But the party has since dismissed the claim by Obetta that he is the state chairman, insisting that Anih remained the state chairman.
The publicity secretary of the party in Enugu, Comrade Emmanuel Ugwueze, described the claim in the publication as not only a flagrant abuse of privilege but also a deliberate attempt to mislead party members and the general public regarding the true leadership structure of the party in Enugu State.
“The attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Enugu State chapter, has been drawn to a press statement credited to Engr. Ibuchukwu Obetta, in which he allegedly reaffirmed himself as the party’s chairman in Enugu State.
“Such publication is not only a flagrant abuse of privilege, but also a deliberate attempt to mislead party members and the general public regarding the true leadership structure of the party in Enugu 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.
“The just concluded National Convention marked the end of every protem or interim leadership structure within the party, thereby making every duly elected officer across different levels the legitimate and recognized 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 recognised democratic processes and the party’s constitutional procedures.
“The NDC Enugu State chapter remains committed to peace, unity, inclusiveness, and the collective growth of the party. Under the leadership of Dr Johnpaul Anih, efforts are ongoing to strengthen the party structure across the state and prepare for future political engagements,” he stated.
He called on all party members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and law-abiding, while disregarding any statement that could cause confusion or division within the party.
He further advised all aggrieved persons to seek redress through lawful and internal party mechanisms rather than engage 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, as such actions may amount to fraud.
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,” he stated.
