By Jude Opara
The leadership crisis within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC ) in Enugu State escalated on Monday as factional chairman Johnpaul Anih accused unnamed “desperate politicians” of plotting to hijack the party structure ahead of the general elections.
Anih was reacting to allegations by the party’s National Working Committee, which disowned him and recognised Ibuchukwu Obeta as the authentic state chairman.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, had earlier accused Anih of impersonation and described the congress that produced him as a “kangaroo exercise.”
But speaking during a press conference in Enugu, Anih dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, alleging that certain individuals were using intimidation, propaganda, and secret arrangements to seize control of the party.
According to him, the congress that produced his executive was lawfully conducted at Aborigen Hall in the presence of security agencies, electoral officials, and members of the media.
Anih further claimed that the exercise came under attack from thugs allegedly sponsored by rivals seeking to forcefully take over the party leadership in the state.
“We possess video evidence of the authentic congress that produced me and my executive members,” he said, insisting that the process followed due procedure under the supervision of officials assigned by the party’s national leadership.
He also accused some officials at the party’s national secretariat of attempting to organise fresh ward, local government, and state congresses despite an existing court order stopping the exercise.
According to him, the planned congresses scheduled for May 16 to 18 were halted after party members challenged the process in court.
Anih maintained that no valid alternative congress was held anywhere in the state and insisted that attempts to portray another leadership structure as legitimate were false.
The crisis highlights growing internal tensions within the NDC as the party prepares for the next election cycle, with rival factions battling for control of state structures and influence ahead of candidate nominations.
When asked whether the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was aware of the dispute, Anih said letters had been sent to him detailing the situation but that no response had been received.
