Enugu NDC Faction Conducts Parallel Governorship Primary, Picks Ene-Nwannaji

Nigeria Democratic Congress Faction in Enugu State Conducts Parallel Governorship Primary Election

A faction of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu State has chosen Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The faction's Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, announced Ene-Nwannaji's victory over other aspirants, including Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa and Senator Gilbert Nnaji.

The primary election was conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state, in line with directives from the party's national secretariat. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the exercise. This is a crucial development in Enugu State politics, as it sets the stage for the 2027 governorship election.

According to a statement signed by the party's State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ugwueze, the factional Chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Ani, described the primaries as peaceful, transparent, and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party's guidelines. The primaries were indeed peaceful and transparent, as Ani said, and it shows a party that is interested in winning elections. You can see the calibre of candidates we elected; these are people with character. He urged those who did not emerge victorious to accept the outcome and work together with the party ahead of the general elections.

In the senatorial primaries, Dr. Chika Obetta emerged as the candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, while Dr. Mrs. Celelia Ikechukwu secured the ticket for Enugu East Senatorial District. Barrister Mrs. Ugochi Ohajekwe also emerged as the party's candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District.

For the House of Representatives elections, Dr. Stephen Ugwoke emerged candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, while Barrister Chimezie Nwodo secured the ticket for Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency. Barrister Kene Nnadi emerged candidate for Enugu North/Enugu South Federal Constituency, Comrade Felix Ijegalu won the ticket for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, while Barrister Onyebuchi Nwabueze emerged candidate for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.

Reacting to the outcome, Ani said, We are using this opportunity to urge those who did not emerge victorious to accept the outcome and work together with the party ahead of the general elections. Ani is committed to working with the party's members, with Ani stating that all eyes should now be on the bigger election coming up in January 2027. The outcome of this election will surely shape the future of Enugu State and determine who will occupy the important position of governor.

According to sources, the factional primary was conducted in line with the party's guidelines and the Electoral Act 2026. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the exercise. This development sets the stage for the 2027 governorship election, which is expected to be a crucial test for the party.

The election outcomes will determine who will occupy key positions in Enugu State, including the governorship. As the election draws near, one thing is clear: the people of Enugu State will have a say in who will lead them for the next four years.