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Ezeugwu Condemns ‘Despicable’ Party Primaries, Warns Against Politics of Deceit, Hooliganism
Former leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, has criticized what he described as the “despicable” conduct of some political party primaries, warning that such practices undermine Nigeria’s democracy and send dangerous signals to the younger generation.
Ezeugwu, who is also an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday.
He said Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community were closely watching the conduct of political actors, stressing that the growing culture of dishonesty, deceit, “money is everything” mentality, hooliganism, and cultism in the political space must stop.
“How and when did we condescend this low? No shame, no fear of what the judgment will be. What are we teaching our children and generations yet unborn?” he queried.
Ezeugwu said he was raised with strong family values and recalled being cautioned during a family meeting in 2011, before venturing into partisan politics, not to bring the family name into disrepute.
According to him, he made a personal vow at the time to quit politics if it ever required him to live a double life or compromise his integrity.
He urged civil society organizations to speak out against individuals whose actions, he said, were negatively impacting the youth and weakening the nation’s democratic institutions.
“If we can’t change the polity, let us leave it as we found it,” he stated.
The NDC House of Representatives aspirant said his ambition was driven by a desire to “change the narrative,” calling on political stakeholders to work collectively towards restoring integrity, justice, truth, peace, and love in Nigeria’s political system.
The leadership crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has escalated, with the state chairman, Dr. John Paul Ani, threatening legal action against the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ossa Director, over allegations of fraud and impersonation.
Addressing journalists in Enugu, Dr. Ani dismissed claims that he was illegally parading himself as the chairman of the party in the state, describing the allegations as “laughable, malicious and desperate attempts” by political opportunists to hijack the party structure through backdoor arrangements.
The controversy followed a recent publication by the National Publicity Secretary, which labeled Dr. Ani an impostor and disowned his leadership of the Enugu chapter.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Ani accused some members of the national leadership of inconsistency, noting that the same individuals now denying his legitimacy had previously worked closely with him. He alleged that their sudden change of position was influenced by external political interests and financial inducements.
According to him, he remains one of the foundational stakeholders who committed personal resources, time and political structure to building the NDC in Enugu State, adding that his efforts earned him appointment as a member of the party’s Congress Appeals Committee.
Dr. Ani maintained that the only valid state congress of the party in Enugu was conducted at Aborigine Hall in full compliance with electoral guidelines and in the presence of security agencies, media personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that the congress was disrupted by thugs sponsored by desperate politicians seeking to seize the party structure by force but insisted that the attempt failed. He added that his executive possesses video evidence of the exercise.
The embattled chairman further stated that the congress which produced his executive was organized and supervised by the official Congress Committee sent to Enugu by the party’s national secretariat.
He also accused some officials within the national secretariat of attempting to stage what he described as a “political coup” by writing to INEC on May 6, 2026, seeking approval to conduct parallel ward, local government and state congresses in Enugu between May 16 and 18, 2026.
Although INEC acknowledged the letter on May 8, he claimed the information was concealed from stakeholders in the state until May 14, just two days before the proposed exercises.
Dr. Ani said the planned parallel congresses were eventually halted after a court issued an order restraining the national secretariat from conducting fresh congresses in the state.
He urged members of the public and lovers of democracy to disregard what he described as defamatory statements against him, insisting they were part of efforts to undermine a constitutionally conducted congress through propaganda and blackmail.
Turning against his accusers, Dr. Ani challenged the National Publicity Secretary to provide evidence that he sold Expression of Interest or Nomination forms to any aspirant, warning that failure to do so would attract legal consequences for defamation.
The NDC chairman also alleged ongoing extortion within the state chapter, claiming that some State House of Assembly aspirants were being compelled to pay ₦400,000 into a private bank account allegedly controlled by a self-acclaimed party official.
He called on the national leadership to investigate the alleged extortion and suspicious financial transactions rather than sponsoring media attacks capable of damaging the party’s image.
Citing Section 12(17) of the party’s constitution, Dr. Ani argued that all initial officers of the party remain protected until valid congresses are conducted.
He therefore urged the national leadership to formally recognize the outcome of the May 4, 2026 congress in Enugu, insisting that since the court restrained the proposed parallel congresses, his executive remains the only lawful leadership of the party in the state.
To support his claims, Dr. Ani presented journalists with an official letter dated April 30, 2026, reportedly written by the former caretaker chairman and acknowledged by INEC, detailing the venue, date and time of the congress.
He also displayed what he described as the final report submitted to the National Executive Committee (NEC) by the party’s Congress Committee, which allegedly confirmed that the assignment in Enugu was successfully concluded and recognized his executive as the duly elected leadership of the state chapter.
The Akani Ancestral Layout Landlords Association has issued a public warning to prospective land buyers and investors over alleged encroachment issues involving parts of the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme located in Emene-Nike, Enugu.
In a public notice released on Monday, the association said its attention had been drawn to videos circulating online concerning individuals allegedly involved in controversial land transactions within sections of the Akani Ancestral Layout.
According to the association, one of the videos featured a female investor who allegedly paid for plots of land in New Enugu Estate and Dolphine Estate but was yet to receive allocation of the purchased plots.
While sympathising with the investor over the development, the association stated that its members had reviewed the location and size of the land reportedly belonging to Dolphine Estate and now suspect that parts of the estate may have encroached on the area officially known as the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme.
The association explained that the layout was approved through a Public Notice issued under the Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2012, and signed on August 16, 2012, by the then Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam.
Raising what it described as a “red flag” to the public, the association urged intending land buyers to conduct proper due diligence before purchasing land in the area, stressing the importance of ensuring that any property being acquired does not violate the boundaries of the Akani Layout Planning Scheme.
The group also disclosed that many members of the Akani Layout Landlords Association had already completed verification processes and payments for their title documents with relevant authorities in the Enugu State Government.
The association noted that the notice was aimed at preventing future disputes and helping prospective investors avoid costly mistakes.
“Forewarned is forearmed,” the statement concluded.
The African Democratic Congress will today commence the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the exercise.
Barring any last-minute changes, the party has opted for the direct primary method after all three aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — reportedly declined calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
Although the ADC initially considered adopting an affirmation process similar to that used by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, party leaders maintain that the direct primary option fully aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
As members head to the polls today, attention has turned to the political weight, nationwide appeal, and perceived weaknesses of the three contenders vying for the party’s sole presidential ticket.
Atiku’s key strengths
A former Vice President and one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar enters the race with decades of political experience and an expansive national network cultivated over years in public service.
Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, Atiku has played a leading role in efforts to unite opposition forces under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Working alongside former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola — now serving as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively — Atiku has championed the formation of a broad coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Key political figures reportedly aligned with his camp include former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.
Political analysts say Atiku’s financial muscle, name recognition, and nationwide political structure could give him a significant edge in the contest.
A former PDP chieftain who recently defected to the ADC said Atiku remains the frontrunner in the contest.
“I believe the party will ultimately settle for a candidate capable of attracting votes across the country. Atiku may have lost several presidential contests in the past, but when you compare his political profile with those of the other aspirants, it is clear he holds a significant advantage.
“Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen are both familiar faces in national politics, but Atiku remains a formidable force that will be difficult for either of them to overcome,” he said, requesting anonymity due to his closeness to the aspirants.
A member of the House of Representatives and ADC chieftain also described the race as one that appears to favour the former Vice President.
“All three aspirants have paid their dues in Nigerian politics, whether we acknowledge it or not. But I do not see Atiku losing to either of them.
“Recall that during the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, Atiku faced a major challenge yet still emerged victorious, despite then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike backing Aminu Tambuwal. In my view, Atiku stands a better chance than the other two contenders,” he said.
Despite his political stature and national appeal, Atiku may still face resistance from party members who believe it is time for a younger generation to take centre stage. Critics argue that having remained active in politics since 1992, the Waziri Adamawa should now embrace the role of an elder statesman.
Amaechi strong contender
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is also regarded as a strong contender in today’s exercise.
Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, gained national recognition for the railway projects executed during his tenure. A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, he was widely viewed in the final years of the Buhari administration as one of the influential figures within the ruling party.
Now contesting under the ADC platform, Amaechi is presenting himself as a credible alternative capable of restoring public confidence in governance.
A close associate of the former minister described him as the candidate best suited to lead the country at this time.
“I do not have his permission to speak on his behalf, but Amaechi represents the kind of leadership Nigerians need for a fresh start,” the associate said.
He urged delegates to assess the track records of the aspirants before casting their votes.
“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country. Whatever critics may say, he was one of the key reasons the Buhari administration recorded notable achievements. The railway corridors operational in parts of the country today are part of his enduring legacy,” he added.
The associate also made a case for retaining the presidency in the South, arguing that zoning considerations favour Amaechi’s candidacy.
“Why are we here?” he asked. “The past three years have left many Nigerians questioning whether the right choices were made. If the presidency has remained in the South for four years and we agree that each region should complete eight years, then the party must put forward its strongest candidate. The South should retain the presidency, and Amaechi represents that option.”
Although Amaechi enjoys significant support in parts of the country, political analysts say it remains unclear whether he can build enough nationwide momentum within the ADC to counter Atiku’s entrenched political structure.
Hayatu-Deen’s reform agenda
For Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the contest offers an opportunity to present himself as a technocrat with the expertise to tackle Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
The former Chief Executive Officer of FSB International Bank Plc has centred his campaign on economic revival, youth employment, and institutional reforms — issues he says are critical to addressing the country’s deepening hardship and insecurity.
Last week, Hayatu-Deen criticised his rivals, urging party members to reject what he described as “recycled politics.”
The 72-year-old economist has repeatedly argued that Nigeria needs leadership anchored on competence, discipline, and people-focused policies.
While his policy-driven approach has earned commendation in some quarters, observers note that he still faces challenges in terms of national political visibility when compared with Atiku and Amaechi.
In a major boost to his ambition, ADC stakeholders in the South-West on Sunday endorsed his candidacy ahead of today’s primary.
The endorsement was conveyed in a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, leader of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, following consultations with party stakeholders, youth groups, professionals, and grassroots mobilisers across the region.
Dosunmu said Hayatu-Deen possesses the leadership capacity needed to reposition the country amid mounting economic and governance concerns.
“The South-West has always stood for progressive politics, competent governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. After extensive consultations and engagements, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,” the statement read.
He added that Hayatu-Deen’s background in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership places him in a strong position to confront the nation’s economic and security challenges.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, businesses are collapsing, young people are losing hope, and insecurity continues to threaten national stability, Nigeria needs a leader with proven competence, discipline, and a deep understanding of how economies function. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen possesses those qualities,” the statement added.
The group also commended his conduct throughout the primary process, particularly his call for aspirants to commit to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, known as The Orange Book.
“In a political culture where many seek power without accountability, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement, and a clear commitment to values-driven leadership. Character matters. Integrity matters. Leadership matters,” Dosunmu stated.
The forum urged delegates to support Hayatu-Deen, describing today’s primary as a defining moment for both the ADC and Nigeria’s political future.
“The decision before delegates today goes beyond personalities. It concerns the future of our party and the future of Nigeria. We believe Mohammed Hayatu-Deen gives the ADC its strongest chance to inspire confidence among Nigerians and present a credible national alternative capable of winning and governing effectively,” the statement added.
Factional crisis
Meanwhile, the crisis within the ADC deepened on Sunday as the faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate.
The decision was reached during the faction’s national convention and presidential primary held in Abuja, where delegates adopted Kachikwu through a voice vote.
The faction also announced the dissolution of the existing NWC and immediately unveiled a new set of national officers.
The newly appointed executives are Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, Kennedy Odion as National Treasurer, Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary, Dr Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, alongside a National Publicity Secretary.
A veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu, Abuchi Anueyiagu, has criticised former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, over comments contained in his memoir on the Nigeria/Biafra civil war, accusing him of waiting until the death of Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, before presenting what he described as a distorted account of the Aburi Accord.
Anueyiagu, who is also a public affairs analyst, alleged that Gowon remained silent while Ojukwu was alive and only chose to publish his version of events years after the former Biafran leader’s death, when he could no longer respond.
In a strongly worded statement, the veteran journalist accused Gowon of being “recalcitrant and unremorseful” over the prosecution of the civil war and the killings of Igbo people during the conflict, particularly referencing the massacre of Igbo males in Asaba during the war.
According to him, Ojukwu had, during his lifetime, publicly narrated what transpired at the Aburi meeting in Ghana between himself and Gowon, explaining that both leaders’ secretaries jointly drafted the Aburi Agreement, which was subsequently accepted by the parties and announced by the then Ghanaian Head of State, General Akufo, who brokered the peace accord.
Anueyiagu argued that Gowon never refuted Ojukwu’s claims while the former Biafran leader was alive, insisting that his silence at the time amounted to acceptance of the account as factual.
He therefore questioned why the former military ruler allegedly “made a volte face” in his recently published memoir, more than 15 years after Ojukwu’s death.
“It is a bizarre shame, wickedness and cruelty for Gowon to wait until Ojukwu’s death before spreading what many consider falsehoods in his so-called biography,” Anueyiagu stated.
He described the development as “a cowardly act of lying,” insisting that historical accounts of the civil war must be truthful, balanced and sensitive to the memories of victims and survivors of the conflict.
The comments have further reignited debates surrounding the Nigeria/Biafra civil war, the implementation of the Aburi Accord, and unresolved grievances linked to the 1967–1970 conflict.
Former governor of Anambra State and presidential aspirant under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pushed back against suggestions that he is avoiding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the remarks on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa, on the sidelines of the Spier Dialogue 2026, a pan-African governance forum.
“There are very few human beings who are as close as I am to Atiku. So I can’t be running from him. This man is my very respected leader and elder brother.
“I don’t run from him. Never. It has nothing to do with running from anybody. I’ve never run from anybody. I just believe that I do things differently,” he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of a bruising few months in their political relationship.
Obi formally joined the ADC on January 1, 2026, with Atiku welcoming him and describing the development as a landmark moment in Nigerian political coalition-building.
The alliance, however, did not hold. On his way out, Obi said his decision to leave was not due to personal issues with Atiku or party chairman David Mark, but was driven by unresolved internal conflicts and recurring legal disputes that had distracted the party from national issues.
He and Kwankwaso subsequently defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, demanding an end to litigation-driven politics.
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