Labour Party Defector Emerges NDC Enugu Chairman as New Leadership Takes Shape After Consensus Congress

A major political realignment has unfolded in Enugu State as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) elected new state executives through a consensus congress that brought together delegates and key party stakeholders.

At the centre of the development is the emergence of Dr Anih Johnpaul, a former Labour Party House of Assembly candidate in the 2023 general election, as the new State Chairman of the NDC.

The congress, held on Monday in Enugu, also produced Dr Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, a former APC ward secretary in Enugu North, as State Secretary, alongside 28 other executive members.

Party officials say the new leadership emerged after delegates adopted a consensus list, following motions for the dissolution of the interim executive structure.

The State Congress Committee Secretary, Engr Echezona Ogbanufe, formally announced Dr Anih’s emergence after the consensus arrangement was approved by delegates at the venue.

The process was supported by acting party officials who moved motions for the adoption of the new executive list, paving the way for a unified leadership structure.

Party leaders at the congress urged the new executives to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and accommodate new members joining the party, as political activities intensify ahead of future elections.

Engr Ogbanufe stressed that unity, discipline, and transparency would be critical for the party’s survival and growth in the state, urging the leadership to deepen internal democracy and expand structures across wards and local government areas.

He also called on the new executive to remain accessible and ensure fairness in all party operations, noting that sustained engagement with members would determine the party’s strength going forward.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Anih thanked delegates for the confidence placed in him and promised to run an inclusive leadership anchored on unity and organisational discipline.

He pledged to strengthen internal party structures and position the NDC as a credible political alternative in Enugu State.

The new chairman also acknowledged national and regional party leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, and Chief Teddy Obey, for their support during the process.

He further commended the outgoing leadership for its contributions to the party’s development and expressed optimism about future electoral success.

Other key officials elected include Mrs Florence Anigbo as Women Leader, Hon Clinton Ogbonna as Youth Leader, Barr Chimezie Nwodo as Legal Adviser, and Mr Emmanuel Ugwueze as Publicity Secretary, among others.

The congress reportedly concluded peacefully before a late arrival of suspected disruptors, with proceedings already completed by the time of their appearance.