Obi’s Entry Sparks Crisis in Anambra NDC as Chairman Faces Fraud Allegations, Court Action Threatens Party Congress
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra State has been plunged into crisis following the recent entry of Peter Obi into the party, as allegations of manipulation, exclusion, and financial misconduct trail the conduct of its local government and state congresses, with aggrieved members now heading to court.
A deepening political crisis is unfolding within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra State, barely hours after the high-profile defection of Peter Obi to the party, with internal disputes threatening to destabilize its growing momentum.
The tension stems from the local government and state congress held in Awka on Monday, May 4, 2026, which some party stakeholders have described as flawed and illegitimate. Aggrieved members have commenced legal processes to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
At the center of the controversy is the Chairman of the Ekwusigo Local Government Area Caretaker Committee, Chukwudile Okoye, who has accused the Anambra State Chairman, David Patrick Chukwudifu, of manipulating the party’s membership registration process and misappropriating funds meant for the exercise.
In a protest letter obtained by our correspondent, Okoye disclosed that he has directed his legal team to seek the nullification of both the membership registration exercise and the congress conducted across the state.
“My intention is to institute legal proceedings against the NDC over the registration of members. I seek the nullification and invalidation of the entire process. This is a fight against injustice occasioned by greed and manipulation,” he stated.
Okoye alleged that despite personally funding the membership registration exercise in Ekwusigo LGA, his name was removed from the party’s membership portal on the eve of the congress, effectively disenfranchising him.
“I committed my personal resources, time, and energy to build the party structure in my LGA. I single-handedly funded the registration exercise, only for the State Chairman to allegedly embezzle allocated funds and manipulate the portal to remove my name,” he claimed.
He further accused party leadership of sidelining him for rejecting what he described as “transactional politics,” adding that he had received threats aimed at silencing his opposition.
While withholding some details “in the interest of the party,” Okoye warned that the situation could destabilize what he described as one of the fastest-growing political platforms in Nigeria if not urgently addressed. He also called for the immediate removal of the state chairman over alleged incompetence and lack of integrity.
Multiple party insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, backed Okoye’s claims, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the congress.
The party’s Youth Leader in the area, Raymond Orabueze, confirmed that he worked closely with Okoye in mobilizing and registering members ahead of the exercise. Another member, Emeka Okonkwo, also acknowledged Okoye’s significant role in grassroots mobilization prior to the disputed congress.
A video obtained by our correspondent reportedly shows Okoye being previously recognized as the LGA coordinator, raising further concerns over the circumstances surrounding his exclusion.
The crisis comes at a critical time for the NDC, as the party gains national attention following Obi’s reported defection from the African Democratic Congress, a move that has energized its support base but appears to be fueling internal power struggles.
Political analysts warn that the situation, if unresolved, could mirror a recent development in Adamawa State, where a State High Court in Yola nullified congresses conducted by the African Democratic Congress over procedural violations.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Anambra State Chairman, David Patrick Chukwudifu, were unsuccessful. His mobile line was unreachable, and a message sent via WhatsApp had not been responded to.
No comments