A major political crisis is brewing within the Enugu State chapter of the NDC as stakeholders, aspirants, and members of the Obidient Movement have raised concerns over the outcome of the party’s recent screening and primary elections, warning that unresolved grievances could trigger litigation and deepen internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to the national leadership of the NDC, South-East zonal leaders, and stakeholders of the Obidient Movement, the group called for urgent intervention to prevent what it described as an impending collapse of internal cohesion within the party.
The stakeholders said growing dissatisfaction among members across Enugu State and the South-East stems from the belief that the founding ideals of the movement are being gradually undermined.
“Many members across Enugu State and the South-East are worried about developments within the NDC and the growing perception that the principles upon which the Obidient Movement was founded are gradually being abandoned,” the group stated.
They alleged that the movement, which they said was built on grassroots mobilisation and youth-driven political engagement, is increasingly being dominated by a small circle of political elites.
According to them, tensions escalated following the screening processes and primaries conducted ahead of the 2027 elections, with concerns that financial demands were allegedly made from aspirants under the guise of ensuring credible participation.
“Aspirants complied and proceeded to participate in party primaries in good faith,” the stakeholders said.
While candidates reportedly emerged through party-supervised primaries, the group claimed that dissatisfaction grew after allegations surfaced that some results were set aside and replaced with individuals perceived to have stronger political connections.
Among those repeatedly mentioned in the controversy is former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo, who some aggrieved members accuse of playing a central role in candidate selection processes within the state party structure.
“Many aggrieved stakeholders allege that decisions regarding candidate selection became heavily centralized and that the voices of ordinary party members, delegates, and Obidient supporters were not given sufficient consideration,” the letter stated.
The group further expressed concern that younger aspirants and grassroots members of the Obidient Movement were being systematically sidelined in favour of older political actors associated with the traditional political establishment.
“There is also a growing perception among party faithful that younger aspirants and members of the Obidient Movement have been marginalized in favor of older political actors, many of whom are viewed as representatives of the old political order that Nigerians sought to replace,” they said.
The stakeholders warned that the unfolding situation, whether accurate or perceived, is already creating deep divisions within the party and eroding confidence among supporters.
They directly appealed to Peter Obi, urging him to intervene to safeguard the principles of fairness, inclusion, and internal democracy that underpin the movement’s identity.
“Mr. Peter Obi, millions of Nigerians followed your message because it represented hope, fairness, competence, accountability, and inclusion. The Obidient Movement was not built by political godfathers; it was built by ordinary Nigerians who believed that a new political culture was possible,” they stated.
They warned that the greatest threat to the party was not external opposition but internal distrust and unresolved grievances.
“The greatest threat facing the NDC today is not APC, PDP, or any other opposition party. The greatest threat is internal injustice, disunity, and the growing loss of confidence among grassroots members,” the group said.
The stakeholders further cautioned that failure to address the crisis could open the floodgates for litigation, with potentially damaging consequences for the party’s electoral fortunes.
“Litigation has weakened political parties in the past. Litigation can invalidate candidacies. Litigation can divide supporters. Litigation can destroy public confidence. Litigation can ultimately weaken Peter Obi’s chances and the electoral prospects of the NDC in the South-East and beyond,” they warned.
To avert further escalation, they called for urgent review of all disputed processes, transparency in candidate selection, respect for primary election outcomes, and the establishment of an independent appeal mechanism for aggrieved aspirants.
They also demanded greater inclusion of young people, immediate reconciliation efforts, and structured dialogue to prevent legal disputes from overwhelming the party.
“The NDC still has an opportunity to correct perceived mistakes, rebuild trust, and demonstrate that it truly represents a new political direction for Nigeria,” the stakeholders stated.
“If justice is done, party members will unite. If fairness prevails, supporters will mobilize. If transparency is embraced, confidence will return. But if legitimate concerns continue to be ignored, the party risks entering the 2027 elections divided, distracted, and weakened.”
The letter, signed by Concerned Stakeholders, Aspirants and Members of the Obidient Movement in Enugu State, urged swift action from party leaders to prevent what they described as an avoidable implosion.
