The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that all its candidates have been successfully screened by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) in preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for September 26. Dr. Johnpaul Anih, the state chairman, made this known during a press briefing in Enugu on Monday.
Dr. Anih revealed that the party is fielding over 14 chairmanship candidates and more than 210 councillorship candidates across the state. He emphasized that the party’s campaign strategies are already in full swing, describing the local government polls as a crucial indicator of the political climate in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Commending ENSIEC for its dedication to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity during the screening process, Dr. Anih warned that any attempts to undermine the electoral process would be met with lawful and democratic resistance. He stated, “We are encouraged by the professionalism and transparency shown by ENSIEC. The commission has provided a level playing field for all parties, and we urge it to maintain this approach until the elections conclude.”
He further stressed that the credibility of the September 26 election will serve as a major benchmark for the state’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. The NDC chairman also noted that the party conducted one of the most credible and transparent primary elections in the state, which was monitored by ENSIEC and security agencies, resulting in the emergence of competent candidates capable of providing effective leadership at the grassroots level.
“Our candidates emerged through a transparent and credible process that reflected the will of party members. We are confident they possess the competence, integrity, and grassroots support needed to deliver quality leadership across local government areas. Given a free, fair, and credible election, our candidates will perform exceptionally well and earn the people’s mandate,” Dr. Anih added.
The party’s state secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, also expressed confidence that the NDC would achieve a strong performance in the September elections if the process remains free from manipulation and electoral malpractice. He highlighted that the party’s candidates are individuals with proven records of service and community engagement in their respective areas.
“All our candidates have demonstrated commitment to grassroots development and community service. Their emergence has generated excitement among the electorate and reinforced the belief that credible alternatives exist,” Dr. Okafor stated. He maintained that many Enugu residents are eager for a new political direction based on accountability, effective representation, and people-centered governance.
Dr. Okafor also praised ENSIEC for creating a fair environment for all political parties, noting that such conduct strengthens public confidence in the state’s electoral system. He called on the people of Enugu to support the NDC’s vision for grassroots transformation. “The NDC is committed to ending poor representation and unfulfilled promises. We offer a platform built on accountability, development, and people-oriented leadership. We urge Ndi Enugu to support our candidates and join us in building local governments that truly serve the people’s interests,” he concluded.