The governorship crisis within the National Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu State has taken a new turn as one of the party’s leading figures, Professor Ene Nwannaji, withdrew his suit challenging the emergence of Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa as the party’s governorship candidate.
Nwannaji withdrew the case at the Federal High Court in Enugu on Thursday, before declaring his support for Ohaa in what both men described as a significant step towards strengthening unity within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking with journalists after the court proceedings, Ohaa expressed satisfaction with the development, saying it had demonstrated that the NDC remained united and focused on its ambition to win the Enugu State governorship election.
Ohaa said, “My big brother, Professor Ene Nwannaji, today withdrew the case he instituted against me over my governorship position, and today the court has dismissed that case.”
He added that the development had put to rest speculations over alleged divisions within the party, saying, “The world and Enugu State can now see that NDC is together and we are going to the Government House.”
Ohaa said he and Nwannaji had discussed the matter and reached an understanding, describing Nwannaji as a man of integrity and honour who had chosen to support his governorship bid.
He also called on those he accused of instigating crisis within the party to desist, saying members had resolved to work together ahead of the 2027 election.
The NDC governorship candidate, who said the party had already commenced its campaign, urged residents of Enugu State to support its bid to change the direction of governance in the state.
Ohaa said an NDC administration under his leadership would place the welfare of residents at the centre of governance and address what he described as challenges confronting the people under the present government.
He also highlighted his experience in public administration at both state and federal levels, saying it would help his administration effectively plan and implement development projects.
“It is not rocket science. I have been there from the state to the federal level. I know what it is, from needs assessment, procurement, budgeting to implementation and even supervision,” Ohaa said.
He added, “Our government will be seamless in the implementation of our projects.”
On whether reconciliation had extended to other aggrieved members of the party, Ohaa said the process was ongoing, stressing that reconciliation was a continuous exercise.
“Reconciliation is a continuous process, and this is one of it,” he said, expressing optimism that other aggrieved members would return to the party as the 2027 election approaches.
NWANNAJI DECLARES SUPPORT
On his part, Nwannaji explained that his decision to withdraw the case and support Ohaa was driven by his desire to see Enugu State benefit from their shared vision for good governance.
Nwannaji, a teacher and politician, said he had known Ohaa for many years, adding that their relationship became closer when Ohaa served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, he identified qualities and ideas in Ohaa that aligned with his own aspirations for Enugu State, making it necessary for both men to work together rather than pursue separate political interests.
“I saw in him all those things that have been in my mind, all those dreams I have for Enugu. And if he has them, and I have them, the only way Enugu people can benefit is for us to work as a team,” Nwannaji said.
He subsequently declared his full support for Ohaa, saying, “Wherever Chinyeaka is, I will be.”
Nwannaji further said he had no doubts about Ohaa’s personality, policies and capacity to lead the state, adding that he was prepared to work with him without reservation.
“If we decide where I climb in, because I don’t doubt his policies, I don’t doubt his personality, I will climb with him without a rope,” he said.
Explaining why he initially purchased the governorship nomination form, Nwannaji said he did so because he believed he had something to offer the people of Enugu State.
However, he said after the party settled for Ohaa as its candidate, he saw no reason to continue with the contest, particularly after discovering that the candidate favoured by the party was someone he regarded as his brother.
Nwannaji also dismissed suggestions that his candidacy had been sponsored by individuals who later abandoned him, describing such claims as “a figment of imagination.”
“I don’t need anybody to push me at my age. If I don’t know what I need, then I’m a disappointment,” he said.
Counsel to the NDC, Chimezie Nwodo, described the development as a victory for internal democracy and an example of political actors placing the interest of the people above personal ambitions.
Nwodo commended Nwannaji and Ohaa for reaching an agreement, saying their decision to pursue reconciliation and cooperation would enable the party to focus on issues affecting the people and preparations for the 2027 election.
“What we see here today is a victory for the internal democracy of the party system in Nigeria,” Nwodo said.
