NDC elects Anih chairman, Okafor secretary at Enugu congress
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected Dr. Johnpaul Anih as its Enugu State Chairman and Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor as State Secretary following the party’s state congress held on
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected Dr. Johnpaul Anih as its Enugu State Chairman and Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor as State Secretary following the party’s state congress held on Monday in Enugu.
Anih, a former House of Assembly candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, emerged alongside 28 other executives through a consensus arrangement adopted by delegates at the congress.
Also elected was Okafor, a former Enugu North Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development seen as part of the party’s effort to broaden its base ahead of future political contests in the state.
The State Congress Committee Secretary, Engr. Echezona Ogbanufe, declared Anih and the new executive elected after motions for the dissolution of the acting executives and adoption of a consensus list were moved and seconded by key party officials, including the Acting State Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Chinachi Nnabuko Chibueze, and the Acting Publicity Secretary, Chuma Amadife.
Addressing delegates shortly after the exercise, Ogbanufe urged the newly elected leadership to prioritise unity, discipline and loyalty within party ranks, stressing that internal cohesion would be critical to the NDC’s growth in Enugu State.
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He called on the executives to galvanise support across the state and effectively manage the increasing influx of new members, while also remaining accessible to party faithful at all levels.
The congress committee secretary further emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in party administration, urging the leadership to uphold internal democracy and fairness in all dealings.
He also tasked them with strengthening party structures at the ward and local government levels, noting that such grassroots consolidation would be essential in positioning the NDC as a formidable political force in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Anih expressed gratitude to delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to lead with fairness, inclusiveness and a strong commitment to the party’s ideals.
He said his leadership would focus on strengthening internal structures and fostering unity among members, while working to position the party as a credible alternative for effective governance in Enugu State.
Anih also acknowledged the support of the party’s national leadership, including the National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson; the National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; the National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu; and the South-East National Vice Chairman, Chief Teddy Obey.
He commended the outgoing chairman, Engr. Obetta, for his contributions to the growth of the party, assuring members that the new leadership would build on existing foundations to secure electoral victories in the state.
Other members of the newly elected executive include Mrs. Florence Anigbo as Women Leader and Hon. Clinton Ogbonna as Youth Leader. Barristers Chimezie Nwodo and Michael Ozioko emerged as Legal Adviser and Assistant Legal Adviser respectively, while Mr. Emmanuel Ugwueze and Chief Rex Arum were elected Publicity Secretary and Assistant Publicity Secretary.
Mr. Nnejichoke Michael was elected State Treasurer, alongside several other officials, including Mrs. Chioma Agbo, Hon. John Onovo, Engr. Samuel Ugochukwu, Mrs. Olivia Okenyi, Kingsley Onochie, Barrister S. N. Egbo, Chief Austin Anih and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, among others. Although there were concerns over a late influx of suspected thugs, the congress had concluded before their arrival, and no disruption to the electoral process was recorded.
