Enugu NDC Threatens Legal Action Over Delayed Ratification Of Congresses.
Follow on Google News 
The Enugu State Working Committee (SWC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a pre-action notice to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), demanding the immediate ratification of congresses conducted across all 260 wards, 17 local government areas, and the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The congresses, concluded with the state convention held on May 4, 2026, produced Dr. Johnpaul Ani as State Chairman and Dr. Sebastine Okafor as State Secretary.
The dispute arose after delays from the party’s National Secretariat in approving the exercise, despite a report submitted by the Congress Committee Secretary, Engr. Echezona Ogbanufe, confirming that the elections were successfully held.
In a letter issued through their counsel, Stanley C. Nwankwo, Esq., Ani and other elected officials urged the NEC to formally recognise and ratify the outcome without further delay, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal proceedings.
The petition, drafted by Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, and addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, was also copied to National Leader Seriake Dickson and Peter Obi.
Titled “Report of Unconstitutional Conduct by the National Secretariat of Nigeria Democratic Congress,” the document accused the National Secretariat of allegedly planning a fresh congress in Enugu despite the completion of a valid process.
The petitioners maintained that the congresses were conducted according to the party timetable and were observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
They further stated that Dr. Johnpaul Ani emerged as chairman at the state congress held on May 4 through what they described as a legitimate electoral process.
The group also alleged rising tensions within the party, claiming that one Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta threatened party members, including the South-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Teddy Odeh, and attempted to involve security operatives to disrupt activities.
According to the petition, the successful congresses boosted the party’s visibility in Enugu State, adding that the National Secretariat had not formally rejected the outcome.
Citing Article 12.7 of the party constitution, the petitioners argued that the former interim leadership in the state had automatically ceased once new executives were elected.
They also accused the National Secretary of trying to undermine the new leadership following the influx of former African Democratic Congress (ADC) members into the NDC after the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The petition further questioned whether the party’s internal crisis would have escalated without the entry of high-profile figures, alleging that opposition to the new executives was politically motivated.
It also warned against alleged plans to notify INEC to nullify the May 4 congress and organise a fresh one, describing such moves as a breach of the party constitution and internal regulations.
