Suspected political thugs on Monday disrupted the state congress of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) held in Enugu, causing tension and forcing an initial halt of activities at the venue.
The congress, which took place at Aborigene Hall in Enugu, was reportedly underway when delegates and party members gathered for the exercise.
The incident comes less than 24 hours after former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were received into the NDC during a ceremony in Abuja. The new entrants were formally welcomed by the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, alongside top party executives.
Trouble reportedly began at the Enugu congress when a motion was raised calling for the dissolution of the protem State Working Committee. Shortly after, suspected thugs stormed the venue, forcing attendees to vacate the hall and allegedly tearing down banners and party materials.
Some party members expressed anger over the incident, accusing certain groups of attempting to take control of the party structure shortly after joining.
Despite the disruption, the congress reportedly continued later, with the Enugu chapter announcing Johnpaul Anih, a former aide to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the new state chairman.
Anih, who previously served as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs under Ugwuanyi, emerged as chairman during the congress held later on Monday in Enugu.