Crisis in Enugu NDC as members reject Primaries, pass vote of no confidence on Nwodo, others

No less than 35 aspirants into various positions of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), including Dr SKC Ogbonnia and Mr. Vin martins Ilo, have passed a vote--of-no-confidence on the party's leadership of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu state.

The aspirants also did a thumbs down for other purported leaders of the NDC in Enugu state such as Mr. John Nwokeabia, Major Gen Fidelis Azinta and Chief Mathias Omeh.

Their group's grouse is based on an alleged shamble purported primary elections of the party in different positions in the state, asking for a true consensus primary elections that could enthrone credible candidates capable of winning elections in the 2027 general elections.

In a communiqué issued after their meeting, in Enugu on Monday, the aspirants said no valid primary election was conducted in Enugu State arguing that neither a direct primary nor a consensus arrangement was held between aspirants and stakeholders, as prescribed by the party’s guidelines for the 2027 primaries and the Electoral Act 2026 as amended.

The group alleged that a small clique hijacked the party structures and truncated the primaries, excluding the majority of stakeholders, aspirants, and grassroots members from decisions affecting the party’s future.

The aspirants also stated that at no time during the process did the State Party Leader, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, meet with aspirants and stakeholders to pursue a consensus arrangement as required by party guidelines and electoral laws.

The forum passed a vote of no confidence on Dr. Nwodo, Mathias Omeh, Major-General Fidelis Azinta (rtd), and Mr. John Nwokeabia. The aspirants accused them of high-handedness, gross abuse of trust, partiality, lack of accountability, anti-party activities, and promoting candidates who cannot win elections.

They also condemned the excessive financial extortion and exploitation of aspirants in Enugu State. The aspirants said the nomination process lacked transparency and accountability and was shrouded in manipulation and irregularities inconsistent with the party’s founding principles.

They further stated that the primary process undermined the party’s guidelines and contravened the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, and that members were joining other parties in droves due to alleged injustice and lack of direction in Enugu West NDC.

The aspirants called on the NDC National Leadership to reject any list of candidates put forward by the Nwodo-led leadership in Enugu State, describing such a list as concocted without regard for the party’s common good.

They urged Dr. Nwodo and his associates to recuse themselves from the candidate nomination process, citing compromise. The aspirants also asked the National Leadership to urgently set up an independent committee to supervise party activities in Enugu State and ensure credible candidates emerge in line with party guidelines and electoral laws.

Other demands included granting an urgent audience to a delegation of aggrieved aspirants from the three senatorial zones, and convening a high-level stakeholders’ meeting involving the National Leader, National Working Committee members, state leaders, aspirants, and representatives of the three zones to address issues threatening party unity.

Despite the criticism of the state leadership, the aspirants said they remain committed and loyal to the NDC National Leadership under National Leader Seriake Dickson, Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, and running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, fairness, accountability, transparency, and building a strong political movement capable of winning and providing effective leadership in Enugu State and Nigeria.