…As Group Alleges Move to Destabilise Party, Claims ₦500 Million Deal with State Government
The Coalition of Enugu Patriots has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged plot by some self-acclaimed stakeholders of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State to undermine the party’s leadership and weaken its growing political influence in the state.
The group alleged that the individuals involved were planning to use the party to advance the interests of the APC, claiming that their earlier attempt to achieve a similar objective through the ADC failed after exited the party following internal divisions in Enugu State.
In a statement signed by the National Leader of the group, , and made available to journalists in , the coalition accused a former governor of Enugu State, a former minister, and other unnamed political figures of being uncomfortable with the emergence of what it described as a new political force within the NDC.
According to the statement, the emergence of a new leadership team led by has generated fresh momentum and growing support for the party across the state.
The coalition described the new leadership as “some of the best brains in journalism and political communication,” adding that they had abandoned their comfort zones in other political parties to build the NDC structure in Enugu State at a time when many doubted the party’s viability.
The group further alleged that certain political actors were attempting to frustrate the emergence of Dr. Johnpaul Anih and as state chairman and secretary of the party respectively.
It also accused the alleged agents of the state government of engaging in manipulation and political gaslighting, claiming that they were employing tactics aimed at portraying themselves as victims despite allegedly orchestrating the crisis.
“They are anti-youth and do not want bright young leaders to emerge. These so-called stakeholders allegedly held a meeting with agents of the state government in Abuja on Monday to strategise on how to stop the emergence of Dr. Johnpaul Anih and Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka, whom they see as viable political figures,” the statement read.
The coalition further alleged that the political actors involved received over ₦500 million from the state government to either take control of the NDC structure in Enugu State or create internal crises capable of destabilising the party.
According to the statement, a chartered flight was allegedly arranged for the meeting in Abuja, where complaints and claims were reportedly made against the current leadership of the party in the state.
The group warned the national leadership of the NDC against taking actions that could undermine the current leadership structure in Enugu State, stressing that such moves could trigger internal conflict and weaken the party ahead of future elections.
“The national leadership of the party must handle the matter carefully to avoid creating an electoral crisis in Enugu State. Dr. Johnpaul Anih remains a necessity for the NDC and is capable of meeting the expectations of party members and supporters,” the statement added.
The coalition maintained that any attempt to interfere with the emerging leadership would weaken the internal structure of the party and reduce the confidence of its supporters, particularly among youths and grassroots mobilisers.
It further noted that the growing enthusiasm currently being witnessed within the party could be negatively affected if the alleged interference by external political interests continues unchecked.
The group urged the national leadership of the NDC to uphold fairness, transparency, and internal democracy while resisting undue pressure from individuals whose interests, it claimed, may not align with the collective progress of the party.
The Coalition of Enugu Patriots reiterated its support for the current leadership of the NDC in Enugu State and called on party members to remain united, committed, and focused on strengthening the party ahead of future political engagements.