By Chiekezie Emmanuel

As the gladiators gather and strategise for the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Enugu State has elected ESUT Lecturer, Dr Bookastro Nwogwugwu Ọgwụ Gburuscastro Sebastine as Secretary.

Dr. Sébastiine and other members of the State Executive Council were elected on Monday, May 4th, 2026 during the State Chapter election in Enugu state.

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

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.

The election comes less than 24 hours after the NDC gained national popularity following the defection of former governors Peter Obi (Anambra State and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano State) to the party on Sunday.

Dr. Okafor, a seasoned Journalist, academia and former active member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Enugu, lectures in the Department of Mass Communication, ESUT.

He Bagged his Ph.D in 2025 in Broadcast and Communication management.

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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

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally released the the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, as date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the Commission, Presidential & National Assembly Elections will hold on February 20, 2027, Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027

The elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)

Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date.

The INEC Chairman addressed recent speculation surrounding election dates, noting that some individuals had attempted to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial schedules.

“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, adding that such actions were misleading and orchestrated by detractors. He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

INEC is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly. While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, the Commission stressed its obligation to operate within the existing law until any amendments are duly enacted.

“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” Prof. Amupitan noted.

Under the approved timetable, Political party primaries must hold within the statutory period. Submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window.

Campaigns will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.

The Chairman warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.

Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, Prof. Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including, expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters; Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections and  Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement.

He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large to play their roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process.

“As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he declared.

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