PDP Crisis Worsens As Enugu Faction Names Nwogbo Guber Candidate

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has announced Chief Dona Nwogbo as the winner of its governorship primary election ahead of the upcoming general election.

According to Ireporter Online, Nwogbo emerged victorious following a factional primary held on Thursday in Enugu, where delegates across the state participated in the exercise. The faction also concluded its selection process for senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly candidates.

The primaries, which were conducted across various wards and later collated in Enugu, come amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the PDP in the state. Another faction of the party, led by Chief Vitus Okechi, had earlier conducted a separate primary that produced former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, as its governorship candidate.

Announcing the outcome of the exercise, the Returning Officer for the PDP factional primaries in Enugu State, Yarima Edachaba, described the process as peaceful, noting that there was a strong turnout of party members across participating areas. He added that no incidents of violence were recorded during the exercise.

Edachaba expressed confidence that the party remained united in spirit despite internal disagreements, stating that the enthusiasm of members demonstrated commitment to the democratic process.

The Acting factional Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Steve Oruruo, also described the primaries as a reflection of internal democracy and transparent candidate selection. He explained that the exercise was concluded through direct primaries conducted at ward levels, followed by final collation in the state capital.

Oruruo maintained that leadership credibility is determined by the integrity of the primary process, insisting that the exercise was conducted without rancour or dispute. He, however, dismissed claims of crisis within the party, arguing that the faction’s leadership remains legally backed by existing court judgments and Supreme Court pronouncements.

He further warned that any actions taken outside the recognised leadership structure would amount to a violation of the law and therefore be considered invalid.

The faction also unveiled its senatorial candidates, with Basil Aguigwo selected for Enugu West, Dr. Nwatu Anthony for Enugu East, and Lady Asogwa Beatrice for Enugu North Senatorial District.

For the House of Representatives, Isaac Onoyima emerged as candidate for Igboeze South/Nsukka, Nwatu Chukwudi for Nkanu East/West, Lilian Ugwuoke for Enugu East/Isi Uzo, Onah Uchechukwu for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River, Nnaji Erobuike for Enugu North/South, Chief Cosmas Onyia for Udi/Ezeagu, Anikezie Michael for Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani, and Eze Ephraim for Udenu/Igbo Eze North Federal Constituency.

The emergence of these candidates is expected to further intensify political realignments within the PDP in Enugu State as rival factions continue to assert control ahead of the general election.