The Enugu State Working Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has threatened to take legal action if the party’s National Executive Committee does not promptly approve congresses held across all wards, local government areas, and the state. The congresses, culminating in the state-level event on May 4, 2026, elected Dr. Johnpaul Ani as chairman and Dr. Sebastine Okafor as secretary.
Despite the Congress Committee Secretary, Engr. Echezona Ogbanufe, submitting a report confirming that the exercises were conducted successfully, the National Secretariat has allegedly delayed ratification. In a pre-action letter from their counsel, Stanley C. Nwankwo, Esq., of the Chambers of Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, the newly elected officials demand immediate recognition or face a lawsuit. The letter, titled “Report of Unconstitutional Conduct by the National Secretariat of Nigeria Democratic Congress,” was addressed to the National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and copied to party leaders Seriake Dickson and Peter Obi.
According to the petitioners, the congresses followed the party’s schedule and were observed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). They claim the National Secretariat is planning a fresh congress in Enugu, which would violate the party’s constitution. Specifically, they cite Article 12.7, which states that the former protem leadership ceases to exist once new executives emerge.
The group also alleges that Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta threatened party members, including the South-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Teddy Odeh, and attempted to deploy security forces to disrupt party activities. They note that the party’s visibility in Enugu has grown since the congresses, and the National Secretariat has not publicly disavowed the outcomes.
The petition further accuses the National Secretary of trying to undermine the newly elected executives, particularly after former African Democratic Congress (ADC) members joined the NDC following the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. “Had His Excellency Peter Obi and His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso not joined the party, would these persons come anywhere close to the NDC?” the petition asks, highlighting concerns over internal sabotage. The officials warn that canceling the congress would breach the constitution and have serious repercussions beyond internal party affairs.