A fresh political crisis is brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra State following the party’s recent congresses and the reported defection of Peter Obi into the party.

The dispute centres on allegations of manipulation during the local government and state congresses held in Awka on Monday, 4 May 2026.

Several aggrieved members are now threatening legal action, raising concerns about instability within a party that has recently gained national attention.

Fraud Allegations Against State Chairman

At the centre of the controversy is Chukwudile Okoye, Chairman of the Ekwusigo Local Government Area Caretaker Committee, who accused the Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, David Patrick Chukwudifu, of financial misconduct and manipulation of the party’s membership registration process.

Okoye said he had instructed his legal team to seek the nullification of both the membership registration exercise and the congress conducted in the state.

“My intention is to institute legal proceedings against the NDC on the registration of members. I seek the nullification and invalidation of the entire process. This is a fight against injustice occasioned by greed and manipulation,” Okoye said.

According to him, his name was allegedly removed from the party’s membership portal shortly before the congress despite personally funding registration activities in Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

“I used my personal funds, dedicated my time and committed my energy to build the party. I single-handedly funded the registration exercise in my LGA, only for the State Chairman to allegedly embezzle funds allocated for the exercise and manipulate the portal to remove my name,” he claimed.

Okoye also alleged that he was excluded for refusing to participate in what he described as “transactional politics”.

He further claimed that threats had been made against him following his objections to the process.

Party Members Back Claims

Some party members who spoke anonymously supported parts of Okoye’s allegations.

The Youth Leader in the area, Raymond Orabueze, confirmed that he worked with Okoye during grassroots mobilisation and membership registration ahead of the congress.

Another member, Emeka Okonkwo, also acknowledged Okoye’s involvement in financing mobilisation activities before the disputed exercise.

A video reportedly seen by journalists allegedly showed earlier recognition of Okoye as the local government coordinator, further deepening questions over his exclusion from the congress.

Why Peter Obi’s Reported Entry Matters

The crisis comes at a delicate moment for the NDC following reports that Peter Obi had moved into the party from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Political analysts say Obi’s influence and popularity have significantly increased attention on the party, especially among young voters and opposition supporters ahead of future elections.

However, observers warn that the sudden spotlight may also be intensifying internal competition for control of party structures.

Political observers raise concerns

Analysts say unresolved disputes over congresses and party registration processes could weaken the NDC’s credibility if the crisis escalates into prolonged litigation.

Some observers also drew parallels with a recent court ruling in Adamawa State, where a High Court in Yola reportedly nullified congresses conducted by the African Democratic Congress over alleged procedural violations.

Attempts to Reach Party Chairman Failed

As of press time, efforts to reach David Patrick Chukwudifu for comment were unsuccessful.

Calls made to his mobile line reportedly did not connect, while a WhatsApp message sent to him had not received a response.

The NDC leadership has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations.

What Happens Next?

Political watchers say the next few days could prove critical for the NDC in Anambra State.

If court action proceeds, the legitimacy of the party’s congresses and leadership structure in the state could face judicial scrutiny.

The dispute may also test the party’s ability to manage internal dissent at a time when public expectations are rising following Obi’s reported arrival.

A House of Representatives aspirant for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Prince Abdulhakeem Animashahun, has called for his party’s 2027 ticket to be zoned to Ebute Metta West, warning that nearly two decades of political dominance by one bloc could fuel unrest if not addressed.

Why it matters

Animashahun’s intervention highlights wider debates around zoning, internal party democracy, and political inclusion in Nigeria—issues that often shape electoral outcomes and voter trust.

He argues that unequal power-sharing could weaken grassroots mobilisation and increase political tension in a densely populated and politically active part of Lagos.

Claims of imbalance

Speaking during a live interaction, Animashahun said Constituency II has held the Lagos Mainland seat for about 20 of the last 27 years since 1999.

By contrast, Constituency I has had roughly eight years of representation within the same period.

He added that early political shifts blurred the zoning structure, allowing one bloc to retain control longer than expected.

“We are not just talking about fairness and equity; this is also about inclusion and stability.” — Prince Abdulhakeem Animashahun

According to him, what should have been a rotational arrangement was disrupted, leading to what he described as 12 consecutive years of dominance by Constituency II since 2015.

Push for Ebute Metta West

Animashahun is specifically advocating for the ticket to be zoned to Ebute Metta West, which he says has not benefitted from elective or appointive positions despite its voting strength.

He warned that continued marginalisation could heighten tensions in the area, describing it as politically sensitive.

Industry and political reactions

While no official response has been issued by party leadership, zoning remains a sensitive and often divisive issue within Nigerian political parties.

Political analysts say zoning arrangements, though informal, are frequently used to balance power among competing groups.

Some observers argue that failure to manage such expectations can lead to internal party disputes, voter apathy, or parallel candidacies.

Broader context: zoning in Nigerian politics

Zoning, an unwritten power-sharing practice has long been used across Nigeria to manage ethnic, regional, and local political interests.

However, critics say it can sometimes clash with democratic ideals such as open competition and merit-based candidacy.

Animashahun acknowledged internal mechanisms like direct primaries and consensus arrangements but insisted outcomes must reflect fairness.

What’s next

With party primaries still ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders are expected to engage in consultations that could determine how the ticket is allocated.

Animashahun has appealed to party leaders and the presidency to consider his proposal in the interest of unity and electoral success.

He also pledged to focus on youth employment, economic development, and social welfare if elected.

Impact on voters

For residents of Lagos Mainland, the debate could influence:

Representation and access to political power

Voter turnout and engagement

Local development priorities

A leading senatorial aspirant in Ondo North, Chief (Dr.) Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, has formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his entry into the 2027 race.

But alongside his declaration, Ajipe issued a strong warning to party leaders, saying failure to recognise the political weight of Owo and Ose local government areas could cost the party dearly at the polls.

He described his ambition as a push for fairness rather than personal gain.

“For 20 years, Owo has waited, mobilised, and stayed loyal to the party,” Ajipe said.

“We have supported others, carried the party on our shoulders, and now we are ready, united, and demanding equity. This is not a plea, it is an assertion of our rightful turn.”

Why It Matters

Ondo North Senatorial District is considered a strategic stronghold in Ondo State politics, with Owo and Ose reportedly forming the largest voting bloc.

Ajipe argued that ignoring these areas in the APC’s candidate selection process could weaken the party’s chances in 2027.

“Any attempt to sideline these two areas is not only unjust, it is electoral suicide for the APC.”

Political analysts say internal party disputes and perceptions of injustice have historically led to voter apathy and defections in Nigerian elections.

Warnings Over Party Primaries

Ajipe also cautioned against imposing candidates, warning that such moves could open the door for opposition parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

“A rigged or imposed primary will breed disillusionment, trigger defections, and fuel voter apathy,” he said.

“What we have seen in other states can replay here if the party fails to conduct a free, fair, and transparent primary.”

Drawing from his role in the 2023 presidential campaign, Ajipe said grassroots engagement remains key to electoral success.

“Equity delayed for 20 years is justice denied. Give us a level playing field… Ignore the call for fairness, and the party will pay a heavy price at the polls.”

Second Development: Ajipe Congratulates Faleke

In a separate statement, Ajipe congratulated James Abiodun Faleke on his appointment to the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).

He described the move as recognition of Faleke’s experience and contributions to party development.

“Honourable Faleke’s appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a boost to the APC’s internal structure and vision for the future.”

Ajipe said Faleke’s role would help strengthen party unity and strategic planning ahead of the next general elections.

Industry & Public Reactions

Party supporters in Ondo North have echoed calls for fairness, with some grassroots members saying rotational representation could stabilise the party.

However, APC officials have yet to respond publicly to Ajipe’s remarks.

What’s Next

Attention now shifts to the APC leadership and how it manages its primary process in Ondo North.

Observers say the party’s handling of internal zoning and inclusiveness could shape its electoral strength not only in Ondo State but across the South-West.