Enugu NDC faction holds parallel primary, picks Ene-Nwannaji as governorship candidate

By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — A faction of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has conducted a parallel governorship primary and selected Prof. James Ene‑Nwannaji as its candidate for the 2027 election.

The move came while another faction of the party had not yet released its primary results.

The faction led by Dr. Johnpaul Ani announced Ene‑Nwannaji’s emergence in a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ugwueze.

Dr. Sebastine Okafor, the factional Secretary, confirmed that Ene‑Nwannaji defeated other aspirants, including Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa and Senator Gilbert Nnaji.

Okafor said the primary was held across all 17 local government areas of the state, following directives from the party’s national secretariat.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise.

In the senatorial primaries, Dr. Chika Obetta won the ticket for Enugu North, while Dr. Mrs. Celelia Ikechukwu secured the Enugu East seat. Barrister Mrs. Ugochi Ohajekwe emerged as the candidate for Enugu West.

For the House of Representatives, Dr. Stephen Ugwoke was chosen for Nsukka/Igbo‑Eze South, and Barrister Chimezie Nwodo won the Nkanu East/Nkanu West seat. Barrister Kene Nnadi was selected for Enugu North/Enugu South, Comrade Felix Ijegalu for Udi/Ezeagu, and Barrister Onyebuchi Nwabueze for Igbo‑Etiti/Uzo‑Uwani.

The faction said the list of candidates for the remaining House of Representatives and State Assembly positions would be released later.

Chairman Dr. Johnpaul Ani described the primaries as peaceful, transparent, and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s guidelines.

“The conduct across the state was peaceful and it shows a party that is interested in winning elections. You can see the calibre of candidates we elected; these are people with character,” Ani said. “They are vibrant, they are young and well positioned to win the main election. We are using this opportunity to urge those who did not emerge victorious to accept the outcome and work together with the party ahead of the general elections. All eyes should now be on the bigger election coming up in January 2027.”

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