Concerned stakeholders, aspirants, and members of the Obidient Movement in Enugu State have called on the leadership of the NDC to urgently address growing concerns over internal party processes, warning that unresolved grievances could threaten party unity and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In an open appeal addressed to the national leadership of the party, South-East zonal leaders, and stakeholders of the Obidient Movement, the group expressed concern over what it described as increasing dissatisfaction among party members regarding recent screening exercises, primary elections, and candidate selection processes.
According to the stakeholders, many supporters across Enugu State and the South-East believe that the movement, which gained momentum through the efforts of young people, grassroots mobilizers, and committed supporters, is gradually drifting away from its founding principles of fairness, inclusion, and participatory democracy.
The group noted that many aspirants seeking elective positions reportedly made substantial financial commitments during the screening process, believing they were participating in a transparent and credible exercise. Following the conduct of party primaries in several constituencies, candidates emerged through processes supervised by party officials and electoral monitors.
However, concerns reportedly arose after allegations surfaced that some primary election outcomes were later altered, with candidates perceived to have strong grassroots support allegedly being replaced by individuals believed to enjoy the backing of influential party figures.
Among those frequently mentioned in discussions surrounding the controversy is Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State and a prominent figure within the party structure in the state.
The stakeholders alleged that decision-making regarding candidate selection appeared increasingly centralized, leading to perceptions that the voices of delegates, ordinary party members, and supporters of the Obidient Movement were being sidelined.
They further expressed concern that younger aspirants and grassroots activists were being marginalized in favor of established political actors, a development they said contradicts the aspirations that inspired many Nigerians to embrace the movement.
While acknowledging that some of these concerns remain matters of perception, the stakeholders warned that the growing discontent could deepen divisions within the party and weaken public confidence if not addressed promptly.
The group also called on the party’s national leadership and its presidential standard-bearer, Mr. Peter Obi, to intervene in order to preserve unity and strengthen confidence among members.
According to the statement, supporters were drawn to the movement because it represented hope, accountability, competence, fairness, and a departure from traditional political practices.
The stakeholders warned that unresolved disputes could trigger widespread litigation capable of undermining the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
They noted that legal battles arising from contested screenings, primaries, and candidate substitutions have historically weakened political parties, invalidated candidacies, divided supporters, and damaged public confidence.
Consequently, they urged Peter Obi, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, the National Working Committee of the NDC, and South-East party leaders to initiate an urgent review of all disputes stemming from the screening and primary election processes.
The stakeholders also advocated greater transparency in candidate selection, respect for genuine primary election outcomes, the establishment of an independent appeal mechanism for aggrieved aspirants, increased inclusion of young people and members of the Obidient Movement, and immediate reconciliation efforts across affected constituencies.
They maintained that the party still has an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen internal cohesion, and demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles.
“The future of the NDC depends on the decisions its leaders make today,” the statement concluded, expressing hope that wisdom, fairness, and justice would guide the party’s leadership as it prepares for the challenges ahead.