2027: Enugu NDC denies collapse as members defect to PDP

The Nigeria Democratic Congress in Enugu State has denied claims that its structures across the 260 wards in the state have collapsed into the Peoples Democratic Party, following the reported defection of more than 6,000 of its members to the PDP.

According to reports, the defectors, led by an NDC stalwart, Godwin Obasi, were formally received by the PDP leadership in Enugu on Sunday.

Obasi said the defectors were drawn from the 260 wards and 17 local government areas of the state, adding that they decided to leave the NDC after the party allegedly fielded unpopular candidates for various elective positions.

“We decided that we were going to join the PDP.

It is our right and choice. So, after we congregated, we are here today to officially join the PDP.

“We are from all 260 wards and 17 local government areas in the state, and all of us have moved into the PDP from today,” he stated.

The state PDP chairman, Vitus Okechi, welcomed the new members and promised them full accommodation, equal rights and opportunities to participate in party activities.

Also receiving the defectors, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Uche Nnaji, assured them that they would be fully accommodated in the party.

Nnaji alleged that the state government had failed to deliver on its promises to the people, calling for the collective efforts of residents to bring about a change in the state.

He claimed that one of the major achievements of the All Progressives Congress-led administration in the state was the introduction of taxes, which he alleged were suffocating residents.

Nnaji further alleged that dead bodies and newborn babies were being subjected to taxation, while questioning the lack of tangible development to justify the revenue generated by the state government.

“Our pensioners are not being paid. Enugu is the only place where pensions and gratuities are not being paid to our people.

“Nothing is paid to our people. Everybody is in a mess.

• Orbih was a courageous, kind party loyalist, says Imasuagbon
• OK movement demands apology from NDC, rejects intimidation
• Natasha mourns ex-Kogi gov Idris

“Imo and Anambra pay their pensions and gratuities to date. What sin have we committed in Enugu State?

“And President Bola Tinubu has released so much money to all the states. What this government here has received is more than what the three previous governors — Chimaroke, Sullivan and Gbagbo — put together.

“What they received in 24 years, this government has received in about three years. We are talking of trillions,” he said.

Nnaji also questioned the internally generated revenue announced by the Enugu State Government in 2025, alleging that it had come at the expense of the lives and comfort of residents.

However, the NDC dismissed the reported mass defection and collapse of its structures as false and misleading.

In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Sampson Ukwu, the media aide to its governorship candidate, Christian Ohaa, said the party’s structures remained solid and active and were fully committed to the presidential candidacy of Peter Obi.

The NDC described the PDP’s claim as baseless propaganda and an attempt at blackmail, alleging that the PDP and APC were unsettled by what it called the growing grassroots acceptance of the NDC, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi and other candidates in the state.

The party said that rather than accept what it described as residents’ demand for a credible alternative, the two parties had resorted to attacks, blackmail and fabricated stories.

It urged the PDP and APC to focus on issues, ideas and principles rather than what it described as falsehoods.

“The people of Enugu are watching, and they can no longer be deceived by propaganda,” the NDC said.

The party insisted that Obi, Ohaa and its other candidates in Enugu remained focused, united and determined, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as cheap blackmail.

It added that it would continue to engage residents on competence, integrity and its desire to serve.

“NDC is here to stay. Ndi Enugu have already made up their minds. The 2027 election is about the competence of the candidates, not political parties,” the statement added.