NDC rejects Obetta's claim and reaffirms Johnpaul Ani as Enugu chairman

The leadership dispute within the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) intensified on Tuesday as the party reaffirmed that Dr. Johnpaul Anih remains the duly elected state chairman.

In a statement signed by the NDC State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ugwueze, the party rejected the assertions of Engr. Ibuchukwu Obetta, who had claimed to be the chairman of the party in Enugu State.

Ugwueze characterized Obetta’s claim as a deliberate attempt to mislead party members and the public regarding the legitimate leadership structure of the NDC in the state.

The statement noted that the state congress, conducted in accordance with the party constitution and the Electoral Act, produced Anih as the substantive chairman.

The congress was attended by delegates, stakeholders and members from all 17 local government areas of Enugu State.

The NDC added that the recently concluded National Convention terminated all interim and pro‑tem leadership structures within the party, thereby confirming that all duly elected officers at every level are the recognized leaders.

“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 statement read.

“The just concluded National Convention marked the end of every pro‑tem or interim leadership structure within the party, thereby making every duly elected officer across different levels the legitimate and recognized leaders of the NDC,” Ugwueze said.

The party emphasized that leadership positions can only be attained through democratic and constitutional procedures, not through “self‑declaration and media propaganda.”

The NDC warned aspirants and supporters against making payments into personal accounts of individuals claiming to be party leaders, noting that such actions could constitute fraud.