2027: Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji Emerges Enugu NDC Governorship Candidate

The race for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State has gathered fresh momentum after James Ene-Nwannaji emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

Ene-Nwannaji secured the party’s ticket after defeating other aspirants, including Chinyeaka Ohaa and Gilbert Nnaji, during the party’s governorship primary election conducted across the state on Friday.

Announcing the results, the Enugu State Secretary of the NDC, Sebastine Okafor, disclosed that the exercise was held simultaneously across the 17 local government areas in compliance with directives from the party’s national leadership.

Okafor added that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the primary election process.

The party also unveiled its senatorial candidates for the 2027 elections in Enugu State. According to the announcement, Chika Obetta emerged as the candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, while Celelia Ikechukwu secured the ticket for Enugu East Senatorial District.

For Enugu West Senatorial District, Ugochi Ohajekwe clinched the party’s nomination ahead of the next general election.

The NDC also released names of several candidates for the House of Representatives seats in the state. Stephen Ugwoke emerged candidate for Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, while Chimezie Nwodo secured the ticket for Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency.

Others announced include Kene Nnadi for Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Felix Ijegalu for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, and Onyebuchi Nwabueze for Igboetiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.

Okafor noted that the remaining list of House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates would be released later by the party.

Reacting to the outcome of the primaries, the NDC Chairman in Enugu State, Johnpaul Ani, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and properly organised.

According to him, the successful conduct of the primary election demonstrates the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections and its commitment to internal democracy.

Ani also appealed to aspirants who lost during the primaries to accept the outcome in good faith and unite behind the party ahead of the governorship election scheduled for January 2027.