Chairman, Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Enugu State chapter, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, has pushed back at allegations of impersonation by some leaders of the party.
DAILY POST reports that a recent statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director Esq., had disowned Anih, declaring that he is neither the Enugu State chairman of the party nor authorised to act on its behalf in any capacity.
In the statement, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party accused Anih of impersonating the party’s recognised Enugu State chairman, Engr Ibuchukwu Obeta.
The NWC also declared that the Anih-led leadership of the NDC in Enugu State conducted what it described as a “kangaroo state congress”.
However, addressing the matter during a press conference on Monday, Anih dismissed the claim as falsehood, saying it is laughable.
According to him, those behind the allegation are “political opportunists bent on hijacking the party through intimidation, propaganda, and backdoor arrangements”.
He described as shocking, and disgraceful attempts by “individuals who previously worked closely with me now deny my role, allegedly due to financial inducements influencing their actions”, stating that he built the party’s structure in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the only valid congresses for the Enugu State chapter of the NDC were duly conducted, culminating in the State Congress, which took place at Aborigen Hall and Premises, Enugu, in the presence of the media, security agencies, and electoral officials.
“That congress produced me as Chairman of the NDC in Enugu State. Although we were brutally attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by the same individuals bent on hijacking the party structure by force, they failed woefully.
“We possess video evidence of the authentic congress that produced me and my executive members, as conducted by the Congress Committee assigned by the national leadership of the party.
“Therefore, the National Publicity Secretary of our party has contradicted established facts regarding the leadership structure of the party in Enugu State.
“It is also on record that on 6th May 2026, certain individuals from the national secretariat of our party wrote to INEC seeking approval to conduct Ward, Local Government and State congresses of the party on May 16, 17, and 18, 2026.
“Although the electoral umpire acknowledged receipt of the letter on 8th May, these individuals concealed this information until the 14th of May (6 days after), when the planned illegality and attempted coup were stopped by an order of a competent court of law on the 15th of May.
“For emphasis, there was no known congress conducted anywhere in the state, as the attempted illegitimate exercise, organized after party members had already rejected such arrangements, never took place, having been effectively stalled by the court”, he said.
When asked if the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was aware of the crisis, Anih said two letters to that effect were sent to him but that no response was received
