By Isaac Mission
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has taken its campaign for the September 26 local government elections to Oji River Local Government Area, declaring its determination to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.
The campaign, held at the Community Market Square in Egwu-Achi, attracted a large gathering of party supporters, leaders, candidates and residents.
The NDC campaign team was led by the party’s Enugu State Chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, alongside the State Secretary, Dr. Sebastian Okafor, the party’s state leader, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, and other members of the State Working Committee.
Addressing the gathering, Anih called on residents to participate actively in the September 26 election and vote for the party’s candidates.
He said the NDC had fielded individuals capable of providing effective leadership and transforming the local government, promising an administration focused on accountability, development and the welfare of residents.
According to him, the party was prepared to work extensively at the grassroots to displace the APC and introduce a new approach to governance in Oji River.
Anih also advised voters to look beyond campaign promises when choosing their representatives, urging them to consider the character, competence, experience and commitment of candidates.
He appealed to the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) and security agencies to ensure that all parties are given equal opportunities during the election.
The NDC chairman stressed that the September 26 poll must be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner.
He equally charged party supporters and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and within the law throughout the electoral process, while taking the party’s message to communities, wards and polling units across Oji River.
The party’s State Secretary, Okafor, urged voters to use the election to choose leaders who would prioritise public interest rather than personal or political interests.
He said the NDC was working to strengthen its grassroots presence across all 17 local government areas of Enugu State and establish structures capable of delivering effective representation.
Also speaking, Ogbonnia described the NDC as a platform capable of providing political change and responsible governance.
He urged residents to reject politicians who become visible only during election periods, arguing that elected officials should remain accessible and accountable throughout their tenure.
Ogbonnia expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would perform strongly at the poll and urged members to remain united and committed until the conclusion of the election.
The NDC chairman in Oji River LGA, Hon. Anderson Emerole, commended the state leadership for taking the campaign to the grassroots.
Emerole said residents of the local government were prepared for what he described as a fresh political direction and assured the state party leadership of strong support for the NDC on election day.
The party’s chairmanship candidate, Bishop James Jideofor, pledged to run an inclusive and people-focused administration if elected.
Jideofor promised to make grassroots development and the welfare of residents central to his administration, while working with stakeholders to address challenges confronting communities across the local government.
He appealed to voters to support the NDC with their mandates, assuring them that his administration would remain answerable to the people.
The event culminated in the formal presentation of Jideofor as the NDC chairmanship candidate, alongside his running mate, Hon. Alison Nwankwo, and the party’s 20 councillorship candidates.
The candidates and other party leaders subsequently urged residents to support the NDC in the September 26 local government elections.