The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said on Tuesday that it remains committed to peace, unity, inclusiveness, and the collective growth of the party, even as it reaffirmed Dr JohnPaul Anih as it’s state chairman.

A statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ugwueze, said that
efforts are ongoing to strengthen the party structure across the state and prepare it for future political engagements.

The party therefore, urged members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and law-abiding while disregarding any statement capable of causing confusion or division within the party.

The statement followed a claim by Izuchukwu Obetta, who allegedly pronounced himself “authentic chairman” of the party in Enugu State.

Reacting to the development, Ugwueze stated that such publication is not only a flagrant abuse of privilege, but also a deliberate attempt to mislead party members and the general public regarding the true leadership structure of the party in Enugu State.

He continued: “For the avoidance of doubt, the duly conducted state congress of the party in Enugu State produced Dr. Johnpaul Anih as the substantive State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The congress was attended by delegates, stakeholders, and party faithful from across the 17 local government areas of the state and followed the constitutional guidelines of the party and the Electoral Act.

“The just concluded National Convention marked the end of every protem or interim leadership structure within the party, thereby making every duly elected officer across different levels the legitimate and recognised leaders of the NDC.

“It is therefore unacceptable for any individual to disregard the outcome of a valid congress and resort to self-declaration through media propaganda. Leadership positions within the NDC are not obtained through personal claims or public drama, but through recognized democratic processes and constitutional procedures of the party”.

He said the party remains committed to peace, unity, inclusiveness, and the collective growth under the leadership of Anih, adding that efforts are ongoing to strengthen the party structure across the state and prepare for future political engagements.

The statement called on all party members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and law-abiding while disregarding any statement capable of causing confusion or division within the party.

It further advises all aggrieved persons to seek redress through lawful and internal party mechanisms instead of engaging in unnecessary media confrontations capable of damaging the image of the NDC.

“We also warn all aspirants in the party to, as a matter of urgency, desist from sending money into the personal accounts of individuals claiming to be at the helm of affairs of the party.

“Reports reaching the leadership of the party indicate that some unsuspecting aspirants and supporters are being misled into making payments through unauthorised channels. The party therefore advises members to desist from paying any amount into individual accounts to avoid falling victim to deception and financial exploitation“, the statement added.