By Samuel Akpan
Suspected political thugs on Monday stormed the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) State Congress in Enugu, temporarily halting proceedings in a bid to seize control of the party structure.
Persecondnews reports that party faithful had converged in large numbers at the Aborigene Hall in Enugu metropolis for the state congress, part of a nationwide exercise rolled out simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on May 5.
The event was progressing peacefully until a motion for the dissolution of the protem State Working Committee was moved.
Chaos erupted at the venue as intruders stormed the hall, tearing down banners and forcing an immediate evacuation of all attendees.
While the identities of the perpetrators remain unconfirmed, witnesses told our correspondent that suspicion has fallen on a group of recent defectors.
These individuals, who reportedly joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday—immediately following Mr. Peter Obi’s entry into the party—are being accused by party members of attempting a hostile takeover of the state’s political machinery.
“Undeterred, the congress later resumed and, under a consensus arrangement, produced a new leadership. Dr. Johnpaul Anih, a former Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, emerged as the new State Chairman after securing a landslide victory,” the source added.
Persecondnews recalls that the Dr. Anih, an academic, author, trained broadcaster and politician, was the Labour Party candidate for the Nkanu West State Constituency in the disputed 2023 general election.
The well-attended congress brought together accredited delegates, party leaders and supporters from all 17 local government areas of Enugu State.
Announcing the results, Secretary of the State Congress Committee, Echezona Ogbanufe, declared Dr. Anih the winner.
In his acceptance remarks, the new chairman thanked the National Leader of the party, Sen. Seriake Dickson; National Chairman, Senator Cleopass Zuwoghe; National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu; and South East Zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Teddy Obey, among others, for their support.
Anih also extended an olive branch to his rival, Mr. Ibuchukwu Obetta, urging him and all members to bury their differences and work together for the growth of the party.
Other members of the new state executive include Dr. Sebastian Okafor as State Secretary, Mrs. Florence Anigbo as State Woman Leader, and Clinton Ogbonna as State Youth Leader.
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