By Amaechi Agbo

In a landmark development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has elected former President, Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT (ESUT) Postgraduate Students Union Government (SUG), Dr Johnpaul Anih as the State Chsirman

Dr Anih, who previously served as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, emerged victorious at the party’s State Congress held on Monday in Enugu.

The congress was duly monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in line with electoral guidelines.

Anih secured a landslide victory after the party adopted for a consensus arrangement.

Anih, an academic, author, trained broadcaster and politician, was the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for Nkanu West State Constituency in the disputed 2023 general election.

The congress attracted stakeholders, including accredited delegates, party leaders and supporters from across the 17 local government areas of the state.

In his acceptance remarks shortly after the announcement of the results by the Secretary of the State Congress Committee, Echezona Ogbanufe, Dr. Anih expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in him.

He thanked the National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson; the National Chairman, Senator Cleopass Zuwoghe; the National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu; as well as the Zonal Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Teddy Obey, among others, for their roles.

Dr. Anih, who extended an olive branch to his rival, Mr. Ibuchukwu Obetta, urged him and all party members to put their differences aside and work together in the interest of the party’s growth.

Dr. Sebastian Okafor emerged as the State Secretary of the party, while Mrs. Florence Anigbo and Clinton Ogbonna were elected State Woman Leader and Youth Leader, respectively.

The Zonal Vice Chairman of the party in the South East, Chief Teddy Obey, hailed the peaceful conduct of the congress and urged all members to key into the “Service Mantra” of the NDC.

A party observer, Pastor Dominic Azih, described the congress as peaceful, transparent and well-organized.

Dr Anih was the ESUT PG SUG President during the 2023/2024 academic session