The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Anambra State, David Chukwudifu, has expressed concerns that the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may not win a single ward in the state due to the rift between Obi's camp and the party's existing structure. Chukwudifu stated that Obi has not met with the state executives, including himself, since joining the party on May 3, 2026. Despite attempts to reach Obi, Chukwudifu claims that Obi has been avoiding him and the state working committee.
According to Chukwudifu, Obi's associates have taken over the party, selling nomination forms, conducting screening, and holding a primary without involving the state, local government, and ward structures. This has led to the party being run by people from other parties, such as Labour and APGA. Chukwudifu noted that he and the state working committee have been left on the sidelines, and as a result, they have inaugurated their own office. The situation has created tension within the party, with Chukwudifu questioning Obi's strategy.
Chukwudifu revealed that he had granted an interview praising Obi's philosophy of giving opportunities to ordinary people, but this was misinterpreted as a personal relationship. He emphasized that he only knows Obi as a former governor of Anambra State and has never met him personally. Chukwudifu believes that Obi's style of operation, which allegedly sidelined party executives in his previous parties, has been brought into the NDC.
The NDC chairman claimed that he met an ally of Obi who spoke with Obi on the phone, and Obi reportedly said he would not work with Chukwudifu and the state executives. However, Obi denied sidelining the party executives when he met a local government chairman on June 27, 2026, asking the chairman to liaise with Senator Tony Nwoye. Despite this, Chukwudifu insists that Obi has not reached out to him or anyone from his camp since then.
The disagreement has significantly affected the NDC structure in Anambra, with the party largely functioning online due to the lack of effective physical structures on the ground. Chukwudifu stated that people still contact him for information on party activities, but he has to keep them waiting while trying to resolve the issues. The situation has destabilized the party, making it challenging to present a united structure ahead of the 2027 election.
Chukwudifu has taken steps to resolve the dispute, writing to the party's appeal committee on May 26 and 27, 2026, but has yet to receive a response. He believes that the National Leader, National Secretary, and National Chairman have been unable to intervene effectively due to Obi's influence. Chukwudifu expressed doubts about the party's chances in Anambra, stating that they may not win any ward, local government, or the state for Obi if the situation persists.
Considering the strong political structure of the ruling APGA in Anambra, Chukwudifu emphasized the need for the party to double its efforts and be more inclusive. He stressed that every vote matters, and removing 326 ward chairmen, 21 local government chairmen, and 29 members of the state working committee has significant implications. The party's ability to present a united front and work together will be crucial in determining its success in the 2027 election.
Key points
- The rift between Peter Obi's camp and the NDC's existing structure in Anambra may cost the party the 2027 election.
- Obi's style of operation has allegedly sidelined party executives, leading to tension within the party.
- The party's structure in Anambra is currently destabilized, with the party largely functioning online.
