Thugs disrupt NDC congress in Enugu as Anih emerges chairman
A state congress of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu was on Monday was thrown into a chaos after suspected political thugs stormed the venue and disrupted proceedings. The
A state congress of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu was on Monday was thrown into a chaos after suspected political thugs stormed the venue and disrupted proceedings.
The Congress, part of a nationwide exercise scheduled across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on May 5, 2026, was held at Aborigene Hall in Enugu metropolis, where party members had gathered in large numbers.
Proceedings were said to be progressing smoothly until a motion was raised for the dissolution of the protem State Working Committee.
At that point, the meeting was abruptly interrupted as the suspected thugs reportedly took over the venue and ordered participants to vacate the premises.
“They started by bringing down some of the banners and then ordered everyone out of the place,” a source disclosed.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of those behind the disruption remained unclear.
However, a party member alleged that the incident may be linked to individuals who recently joined the party and were attempting to take control of its structure.
“They joined the NDC just yesterday, Sunday, after Mr. Peter Obi defected to the party. Now they want to hijack the entire structure,” the visibly aggrieved member claimed.
Despite the disruption, the Congress later resumed under tighter conditions and concluded with the emergence of Dr. Johnpaul Anih as the new State Chairman.
Dr. Anih, a former Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, secured a landslide victory through a consensus arrangement adopted by the party.
Read Also: NDC elects Anih chairman, Okafor secretary at Enugu congress
An academic, author, trained broadcaster, and politician, Anih had previously contested as the Labour Party candidate for Nkanu West State Constituency in the 2023 general election.
The Congress drew stakeholders, including accredited delegates, party leaders, and supporters from all 17 local government areas of the state.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Anih expressed appreciation to party members for the trust placed in him and pledged to work towards strengthening the party in the state.
He also acknowledged key national leaders of the party for their support, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Cleopass Zuwoghe, Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu, and Chief Teddy Obey.
Extending an olive branch to his rival, Mr. Ibuchukwu Obetta, Anih urged all members to set aside their differences and unite for the growth of the party.
Other officials elected at the Congress include Dr. Sebastian Okafor as State Secretary, Mrs. Florence Anigbo as State Woman Leader, and Clinton Ogbonna as Youth Leader.
