ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Enugu State, Ibuchukwu Obetta, has declared that he remains the authentic leader of the party in the state, saying internal disputes rocking the chapter have been resolved.
Obetta made the declaration on Monday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Enugu, amid lingering leadership disagreements within the state chapter of the party.
According to him, issues surrounding the party’s leadership were settled during the recent national convention held in Abuja.
“I am the chairman of NDC in Enugu State. All issues have been resolved during our National Convention in Abuja,” he said.
The party chairman disclosed that the NDC had successfully concluded its ward, local government and state congresses in Enugu State and was now preparing for its primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stated that the primaries are expected to hold before the end of May, adding that several aspirants had already shown interest in contesting various elective positions on the party’s platform.
Obetta revealed that four aspirants had indicated interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State under the NDC platform.
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However, he declined to disclose their identities, citing security concerns.
“We have four persons that have indicated their interest for gubernatorial election in 2027 in the state.
“I cannot disclose their names now for security reasons until after the primaries which will hold at the interval of this month,” he stated.
He further disclosed that four aspirants had also emerged for the Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
According to him, consultations were ongoing with the aspirants to understand their plans and vision for the senatorial district.
“Now, we have four aspirants who have come out for the Enugu North senatorial district.
“We are discussing with them to find out their mission for the senatorial district,” he said.
Obetta added that many aspirants from Enugu West Senatorial Zone had equally expressed interest in contesting for positions into the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.
The NDC chairman described the party as the new “beautiful bride” in Nigerian politics, following the reported entrance of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party.
According to him, the party witnessed a massive surge in membership shortly after both political figures joined the platform.
“Over 6.8 million people registered in the NDC, 24 hours after Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joined the party and many more are joining,” Obetta claimed.
The development comes weeks after a factional leadership tussle emerged within the Enugu chapter of the party, with another group led by Johnpaul Ani laying claim to the chairmanship position before the party’s national convention.