Ohaa
At last, the governorship crisis rocking the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State seems to have come to an end. This follows the withdrawal of a suit instituted against the governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, by one of the party’s leading figures, Prof. Ene Nwannaji.
Nwannaji had approached the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu challenging the emergence of Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa as the party’s governorship candidate. His withdrawal of the case at the Federal High Court, Enugu, on Thursday was followed by a declaration of support for Ohaa, in what both men described as a significant step towards strengthening the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the court proceedings, Ohaa expressed delight at the development, saying it showed the NDC remained united and focused on its bid to take over the Enugu State Government House.
“My big brother, Professor Ene Nwannaji, today withdrew the case he instituted against me over my governorship position, and today the court has dismissed that case,” Ohaa said.
“The world and Enugu State can now see that NDC is together and we are going to the Government House,” he said.
According to Ohaa, the development should end speculations about division within the party, urging those allegedly instigating crises in the NDC to “go and have their peace” as members had resolved to work together.
Ohaa said he and Nwannaji had discussed the matter and reached an understanding, describing his brother as “a man of integrity and honour” who had chosen to support his governorship bid.
The NDC candidate, who said the party had already commenced its campaign, called on the people of Enugu State to support the party’s bid to change the direction of governance in the state.
He said the NDC would place the welfare of the people at the centre of its administration, promising to address what he described as challenges confronting residents under the present government.
Ohaa, who said he had extensive experience in public administration at both state and federal levels, assured that an NDC government under his leadership would ensure effective implementation of policies and development projects.
“It is not rocket science. I have been there from the state to the federal level. I know what it is, from needs assessment, procurement, budgeting to implementation and even supervision,” he said.
He added: “Our government will be seamless in the implementation of our projects.” Asked whether the reconciliation had extended to other aggrieved members of the party, Ohaa said the process was ongoing, stressing that reconciliation remained a continuous exercise.
“Reconciliation is a continuous process, and this is one of it,” he said, expressing optimism that other aggrieved members would return to the fold as the party moved towards the 2027 election. On his part, Nwannaji said his decision to withdraw the case and support Ohaa was based on his desire to see Enugu State benefit from their collective vision for good governance.
Prof. Nwannaji, said he had known Ohaa for many years, recalling that their relationship became closer when Ohaa served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said he saw in Ohaa qualities and ideas that aligned with his own aspirations for Enugu State, making it necessary for both of them to work together rather than pursue separate political interests.
“I saw in him all those things that have been in my mind, all those dreams I have for Enugu. And if he has them, and I have them, the only way Enugu people can benefit is for us to work as a team,” Nwannaji said.
He declared his full support for Ohaa, saying: “Wherever Chinyeaka is, I will be.” Nwannaji further said he had no doubts about Ohaa’s personality, policies and capacity to lead the state, adding that he was prepared to work with him without reservation.
“If we decide where I climb in, because I don’t doubt his policies, I don’t doubt his personality, I will climb with him without a rope,” he said. Explaining his earlier decision to purchase the governorship nomination form, Nwannaji said he did so because he believed he had something to offer Enugu State.
However, he said that after the party settled for Ohaa as its candidate, he had no reason to continue with the contest, particularly after discovering that the candidate favoured by the party was his brother.
He dismissed suggestions that he had been sponsored by individuals who later abandoned him, describing such speculation as “a figment of imagination.”
“I don’t need anybody to push me at my age. If I don’t know what I need, then I’m a disappointment,” he said.
Counsel to the NDC, Barr. Chimezie Nwodo described the development as a victory for internal democracy and an example of political actors putting the interest of the people above personal ambitions. Nwodo said Nwannaji’s decision to withdraw the case demonstrated that the two political figures had chosen reconciliation and cooperation in the interest of Enugu State.
“What we see here today is a victory for the internal democracy of the party system in Nigeria,” Nwodo said.
He commended both men for reaching an agreement, saying their decision would enable the party to focus on the challenges facing the people and its preparations for the 2027 election.
