A fresh crisis has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC in Anambra State following the entry of into the party, with allegations of manipulation and financial impropriety threatening to destabilise its structure.
The tension, according to party sources, began after the local government and state congress held in on May 4, 2026. Aggrieved stakeholders have since initiated moves to challenge the legitimacy of the exercise in court.
At the centre of the controversy is the Chairman of Ekwusigo Local Government Area Caretaker Committee, Chukwudile Okoye, who accused the state chairman, , of manipulating the party’s membership registration process and misappropriating funds.
In a protest letter obtained by our correspondent, Okoye disclosed plans to institute legal proceedings seeking the nullification of both the membership registration exercise and the congress.
“My intention is to institute legal proceedings against the NDC on the registration of members. I seek the nullification and invalidation of the entire process. This is a fight against injustice occasioned by greed and manipulation,” he said.
Okoye alleged that despite funding the registration process in Ekwusigo LGA with personal resources, his name was removed from the party’s membership portal on the eve of the congress, effectively excluding him from participation.
“I used my personal funds, dedicated my time and committed my energy to build the party. I single-handedly funded the registration exercise in my LGA, only for the State Chairman to allegedly embezzle funds allocated for the exercise and manipulate the portal to remove my name,” he claimed.
He further alleged that his exclusion was linked to his refusal to engage in what he described as “transactional politics,” adding that he had also received threats over his stance.
While withholding further details, Okoye warned that the situation could destabilise what he described as a rapidly growing political platform if not urgently addressed. He also called for the removal of the state chairman over alleged incompetence and lack of integrity.
Some party members who spoke anonymously supported Okoye’s claims. The Youth Leader in the area, Raymond Orabueze, confirmed working with him on grassroots mobilisation and membership registration ahead of the congress.
Another member, Emeka Okonkwo, also acknowledged Okoye’s role in sponsoring mobilisation efforts prior to the disputed exercise.
A video reviewed by our correspondent reportedly showed Okoye previously recognised as the LGA coordinator, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his alleged removal from the membership portal.
The unfolding dispute comes at a critical moment for the NDC, following Obi’s reported defection from the African Democratic Congress, a development that has boosted the party’s visibility and support base.
Observers warn that the crisis, if not resolved, could mirror similar legal setbacks in other states, including a recent court ruling in Adamawa where party congresses were nullified over procedural breaches.
Efforts to reach Chukwudifu for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. His phone line was unreachable, and a message sent via WhatsApp had yet to receive a response.
