The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), operating under the aegis of the OK Movement in Enugu North Senatorial District, has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged attempt by former Enugu State Governor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to influence the party's internal affairs ahead of future political contests.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Nsukka and signed by the Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Theophilus Eke, the group alleged that its internal findings pointed to actions it believes could undermine the party's structure and electoral prospects in Enugu State.
According to the statement, the group accused Dr. Nwodo of working to influence candidate selection processes within the party. The youths claimed that some aspirants who emerged through the party's internal processes were allegedly being targeted for substitution in favour of other candidates.
The statement drew parallels with the biblical expression, "The voice is Jacob's, but the hands are Esau's," which the group used to describe what it perceives as indirect efforts to shape the party's affairs.
"We are concerned by what we view as attempts to undermine the democratic choices of party members," the statement read in part. "Candidates who emerged through the party's established processes, particularly within Enugu North Senatorial District, are allegedly facing threats of substitution. We believe such actions could weaken the party's position ahead of future elections."
The group further alleged that there were coordinated efforts by external interests to influence the party's internal decisions. However, it did not provide documentary evidence to support the claims.
Commenting on the Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, the movement argued that political considerations such as zoning, electoral balance, and representation should be taken into account when selecting candidates.
According to the group, Igbo-Eze North has previously produced representatives for the constituency, including Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, who served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who represented the constituency from 2003 to 2015. The group argued that such historical considerations should form part of any discussion regarding future representation.
The youths also referenced Dr. Nwodo's public comments in support of Governor Peter Mbah and the appointment of a member of his family to a government position, claiming that these developments raise questions about possible conflicts of interest. However, the group acknowledged that public support for a government or political leader does not, in itself, constitute evidence of wrongdoing.
"We believe these developments warrant closer scrutiny by the party's leadership," Comrade Eke stated. "Our concern is that decisions affecting the party's future should be guided by transparency, fairness, and the collective interests of members."
The group called on the national leadership of the NDC, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), to closely monitor developments within the Enugu chapter of the party and ensure that all party procedures are followed in accordance with its constitution and guidelines.
"We urge the national leadership of our great party, led by Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, to intervene where necessary and ensure that the integrity of the party's processes is preserved," the statement added.
The OK Movement reaffirmed its commitment to protecting what it described as the rights and interests of party members and candidates who emerge through lawful and democratic processes. It further stated that any grievances arising from party activities would be pursued through legal, political, and democratic channels.
