The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that Dr. Johnpaul Anih is not the recognised chairman of the party in the state, insisting that the party’s national leadership has consistently disowned him.
In a statement signed by the State Secretary, Hon. Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel, the party said it was compelled to address what it described as persistent attempts to misrepresent the leadership position of the NDC in Enugu State.
According to the statement, a Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by the Enugu State High Court in Suit No. E/484/2026 showed that the court declined jurisdiction over the matter, ruling that issues relating to the leadership of a political party are internal affairs beyond its jurisdiction.
The party maintained that the judgment did not confer legitimacy on Dr. Anih or alter the position of the NDC National Working Committee (NWC), which it said has repeatedly dissociated itself from him.
The NDC stated that its national leadership recognises Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta as the authentic Chairman of the party in Enugu State, while Hon. Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel remains the State Secretary.
The party urged members, supporters and the general public to disregard claims suggesting that the court validated Dr. Anih’s leadership, reaffirming its commitment to constitutional order, internal democracy and respect for its duly constituted organs.
Meanwhile, the Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State, Abdulrahman Buba Zaune, has resigned his membership of the party with immediate effect.
In a resignation letter dated August 5, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the ADC in Zaune Ward, Dukku Local Government Area, Zaune thanked the party for the opportunity to serve in various capacities at the local, state and national levels.
Although he did not disclose his next political move, his resignation has fuelled speculation that he may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His exit comes shortly after the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Jamilu Gwamna, visited Dukku Local Government Area, and follows the recent defection of the ADC State Secretary, Ahmed Gana, to the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
