The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations that its structures have collapsed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a mass defection of its members. According to reports, over 6,000 NDC members, led by a stalwart, Godwin Obasi, defected to the PDP on Sunday. The defectors claimed they were drawn from all 260 wards and 17 local government areas of the state.
The defectors cited the NDC's alleged fielding of unpopular candidates for various elective positions as the reason for their decision to leave the party. Obasi stated that the defectors had congregated and decided to officially join the PDP, citing it as their right and choice. The PDP leadership in Enugu, led by state chairman Vitus Okechi, welcomed the new members, promising them full accommodation, equal rights, and opportunities to participate in party activities.
The PDP governorship candidate in Enugu, Uche Nnaji, assured the defectors that they would be fully accommodated in the party. Nnaji alleged that the state government had failed to deliver on its promises to the people, calling for collective efforts to bring about change in the state. He claimed that one of the major achievements of the All Progressives Congress-led administration in the state was the introduction of taxes, which he alleged were suffocating residents.
Nnaji further alleged that the state government was taxing dead bodies and newborn babies, while questioning the lack of tangible development to justify the revenue generated. He also claimed that pensioners in the state were not being paid, citing Enugu as the only place where pensions and gratuities were not paid to residents. Nnaji questioned the internally generated revenue announced by the Enugu State Government in 2025, alleging that it had come at the expense of the lives and comfort of residents.
However, the NDC dismissed the reported mass defection and collapse of its structures as false and misleading. In a statement, Sampson Ukwu, media aide to NDC's governorship candidate, Christian Ohaa, said the party's structures remained solid and active, committed to the presidential candidacy of Peter Obi. The NDC described the PDP's claim as baseless propaganda and an attempt at blackmail.
The NDC alleged that the PDP and APC were unsettled by the growing grassroots acceptance of the NDC, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other candidates in the state. The party urged the PDP and APC to focus on issues, ideas, and principles rather than falsehoods. The NDC insisted that Obi, Ohaa, and its other candidates in Enugu remained focused, united, and determined, adding that it would not be distracted by cheap blackmail.
The NDC stated that it would continue to engage residents on competence, integrity, and its desire to serve, adding that the 2027 election would be about the competence of the candidates, not political parties. The party emphasized that it was committed to staying in the state and that residents had already made up their minds. The NDC's statement concluded that the people of Enugu were watching and would not be deceived by propaganda.
Key points
- Over 6,000 NDC members defect to PDP in Enugu State.
- NDC denies collapse, cites growing grassroots acceptance.
- PDP and APC trade accusations with NDC over defection.
