By Isaac Mission
The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has continued to grapple with internal disputes, with the party’s State Secretary, Dr Sebastine Okafor, attributing the lingering crisis to members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The party has remained divided since its state congress held on May 4, 2026, during which Dr Johnpaul Anih and other officials emerged as members of the State Working Committee. Since then, disagreements have persisted amid allegations that some members of the party’s national leadership attempted to withdraw recognition from the elected state executives.
The situation reportedly worsened during the party’s governorship primary election, which ended in confusion following parallel activities by rival factions.
Recently, a group of about 80 aspirants who participated in the primary election under one faction accused some party leaders, including Chief Dr Mathias Omeh, of contributing to the leadership crisis.
Responding to the allegations, Okafor said it was unfair to blame Omeh for issues arising from decisions taken by members of the National Working Committee. He maintained that the respected party leader had consistently promoted dialogue, reconciliation and unity among stakeholders.
According to him, attributing the crisis to Omeh was misleading and shifted attention away from those directly responsible for the decisions that sparked the dispute.
He described Omeh as one of the party’s respected figures whose contributions to political development and leadership capacity building have earned him widespread respect across Enugu State.
Okafor urged aggrieved aspirants to pursue any grievances through the party’s internal dispute resolution channels or the courts rather than making public accusations capable of damaging the reputation of party leaders.
He stressed that political disagreements should be handled with facts, responsibility and respect for due process, warning against allegations that cannot be substantiated.
The party secretary also reaffirmed his support for the leadership of Dr Johnpaul Anih, insisting that the state executive remained committed to peace, internal democracy and reconciliation among members.
He called on aspirants, candidates and party stakeholders to avoid cyberbullying, personal attacks and inflammatory publications capable of deepening divisions within the party.
Okafor further disclosed that the state leadership was prepared to pursue its legal battle over the leadership of the Enugu chapter to the Supreme Court in a bid to seek justice and challenge what it described as attempts to impose party leadership.