Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for the 2027 election in Enugu State.
Ene-Nwannaji secured victory at the party’s governorship primary election conducted on Friday, defeating other contenders, including Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa and Senator Gilbert Nnaji.
Announcing the results, the NDC Secretary in Enugu State, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, said the exercise was held across the 17 local government areas of the state in accordance with directives from the party’s national leadership.
Okafor disclosed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the primary election.
He also announced winners of the party’s senatorial primaries across the three senatorial districts in the state.
According to him, Dr. Chika Obetta clinched the ticket for the Enugu North Senatorial District, while Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ikechukwu emerged as the candidate for the Enugu East Senatorial District. Barr. Mrs. Ugochi Ohajekwe was declared the winner for the Enugu West Senatorial District.
The party further unveiled some of its House of Representatives candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.
Dr. Stephen Ugwoke emerged as a candidate for Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, while Barr. Chimezie Nwodo secured the ticket for Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency.
Barr. Kene Nnadi was named a candidate for the Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, and Comrade Felix Ijegalu emerged for the Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, while Barr. Onyebuchi Nwabueze won the ticket for Igboetiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.
Okafor added that names of the remaining House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates would be released later.
Reacting to the outcome of the primaries, the NDC Chairman in Enugu State, Dr. John Paul Ani, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and well-organized.
Ani stated that the conduct of the primary election complied with the party’s guidelines and the Electoral Act 2026.
He said the successful exercise demonstrated the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections and urged unsuccessful aspirants to support the party ahead of the governorship poll scheduled for January 2027.
