Suspected political thugs allegedly loyal to former Anambra State governor Peter Obi disrupted the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) state congress in Enugu on Monday, throwing the event into chaos.
The incident occurred at Aborigene Hall in Enugu, where party members had assembled for the scheduled congress before the venue was attacked.
The disruption comes less than 24 hours after Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso formally defected to the NDC. Both politicians were received into the party on Sunday in Abuja by its national leader, Seriake Dickson, alongside other party leaders and supporters.
Sources in Nigerian Newsphere say that tension began when a motion was raised to dissolve the party’s pro tempore State Working Committee. Shortly after, suspected thugs reportedly stormed the venue, pulled down banners, and ordered attendees to vacate the premises.
“They started by tearing down banners and forced everyone out. They only joined the party on Sunday after Obi defected, and now they want to take over the structure,” a visibly upset party member alleged.
Despite the disruption, the congress later resumed, with party officials announcing Dr. John Paul Anih as the new NDC State Chairman. Anih, a former Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to ex-Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, emerged victorious at the rescheduled congress.
