The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially disclosed the prominent political figures who served as caucus heads across the South East geopolitical zone. These individuals played a pivotal role in the party’s stakeholder engagement and consensus-building efforts leading up to the recently concluded primaries.
In a Friday statement from the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC noted that presidential candidate Peter Obi joined the party with an already established leadership framework. This framework includes respected elder statesmen and political leaders responsible for coordinating party activities in their respective states.
The designated caucus leaders for the region are as follows: Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former NDDC Board Chairman, for Abia State; Dr. Sam Egwu, former Governor, Minister, and Senator, for Ebonyi State; Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor and ex-PDP National Chairman, for Enugu State; and Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor and Minister, for Imo State. In Anambra State, the process is managed by Peter Obi’s team.
The NDC explained that these leaders were entrusted with conducting thorough stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and offering recommendations based on the unique political landscapes of their states. Grassroots leaders and other stakeholders also actively participated in these consultations.
“These leaders were charged with carrying out stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and presenting recommendations to the party grounded in their understanding of the specific political dynamics in their states,” the statement said. “Furthermore, each state boasts recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders who take part in consultations and offer input on party matters.”
The party emphasized that aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder or caucus leader recommendations had the opportunity to contest through the party’s democratic processes, which were available during the primaries. It also refuted allegations of imposing candidates, stating that the National Secretariat simply received aspirants and directed them to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and party members in their states.
The NDC urged caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and other leaders to engage with aggrieved aspirants and members to ensure the party’s continued growth and stability.