Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji
Prof James Ene-Nwannaji has reportedly emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Enugu State. Ene-Nwannaji was announced the winner on Friday after he defeated other contestants in the race, including Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa and Senator Gilbert Nnaji.
Secretary of the NDC in Enugu State, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, who released the outcome of the primary to journalists, said the primary elections were conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state in line with the directive of the national secretariat of the party.
Dr Okafor said that the election was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
In the Senatorial District Primary Elections held in three zones of the State, Dr. Chika Obetta was elected Enugu North Senatorial Zone Candidate, Dr. Mrs Celelia Ikechukwu, Enugu East Senatorial Zone, while Barr Mrs Ugochi Ohajekwe won the party’s ticket for Enugu West Senatorial Zone.
House of Reps candidates announced so far include:
Nsukka/Igboeze South Constituency – Dr. Stephen Ugwoke
Nkanu East/West – Barr. Chimezie Nwodo
Enugu North/South – Barr. Kene Nnadi
Udi/Ezeagu – Comr. Felix Ijegalu
Igbotiti Uzo-Uwani – Barr. Onyebuchi Nwabueze
According to Okafor, the remaining list of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly members will be released later. However, commenting on the outcome, the chairman of the NDC in Enugu State, Dr. Johnpaul Ani, described the primary election as well-organized.
He added: “it was conducted in line with the guidelines of the party, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
“The conduct across the state was peaceful, and it shows a party that is interested in winning elections. You can see the calibre of candidates we elected; these are people with character.
“They are vibrant, they are young, and well-positioned to win the main election.
“We are using this opportunity to tell those who did not emerge to accept the outcome and work together with the party to win the general elections. All eyes now should be on the bigger election, which is coming up in January 2027.”
