Prof. Ene Nwannaji, the factional governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, has withdrawn his legal challenge against the emergence of Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Nwannaji announced his decision on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Enugu shortly after the court struck out the suit he instituted challenging Ohaa’s nomination.
Following the court proceedings, Nwannaji publicly declared his support for Ohaa, saying the decision was motivated by his desire to see Enugu State benefit from their shared vision for good governance.
The development brought the two politicians together after the proceedings, in what they described as a significant step towards strengthening unity within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking to journalists, Ohaa expressed delight over Nwannaji’s decision, saying it had demonstrated that the NDC remained united and focused on its ambition 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.
He added, “The world and Enugu State can now see that NDC is together and we are going to the Government House.”
Ohaa said the development should end speculations over division within the party, urging those he accused of fuelling the crisis to “go and have their peace,” as members had resolved to work together.
According to him, he and Nwannaji had discussed their differences and reached an understanding, describing the professor as “a man of integrity and honour” who had chosen to support his governorship ambition.
“He said, come May 29, 2027, and he meant it. He is here to speak by himself,” Ohaa stated.
The NDC candidate said the party had commenced its campaign and urged residents of Enugu State to support its bid to change the direction of governance in the state.
He promised that an NDC administration under his leadership would prioritise the welfare of residents and address what he described as the challenges confronting the state.
Ohaa, who said he had acquired extensive experience in public administration at both state and federal levels, also assured that his administration 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.
“Our government will be seamless in the implementation of our projects.”
On whether the reconciliation had extended to other aggrieved members of the party, Ohaa said the process was ongoing, describing reconciliation as 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 party ahead of the election.
‘Wherever Chinyeaka is, I will be’ — Nwannaji
Nwannaji said his decision to withdraw the suit and support Ohaa was driven by his desire to see Enugu State benefit from their shared vision for good governance.
The teacher and politician said he had known Ohaa for several years, noting that their relationship became closer when Ohaa served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory.
Nwannaji said he subsequently discovered that Ohaa shared many of his aspirations for Enugu State, making it more beneficial for them to work together 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,” he said.
Nwannaji expressed confidence in Ohaa’s personality, policies and leadership capacity, saying 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 was motivated by his belief that he had something to offer Enugu State.
However, he said after the party settled for Ohaa as its candidate, he had no reason to continue the contest, particularly after realising that the party’s preferred candidate was his “brother.”
He dismissed suggestions that he had been sponsored by individuals who later abandoned him, describing the claim 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,” Nwannaji said.
‘Victory for internal democracy’ — Nwodo
Counsel to the NDC, Barr. Chimezie Nwodo, described Nwannaji’s withdrawal of the suit as a victory for internal democracy and an example of political actors placing the interests of the people above personal ambitions.
Nwodo said the decision by Nwannaji and Ohaa to reconcile would enable the party to concentrate on issues affecting the people of Enugu State and preparations for the 2027 election.
“What we see here today is a victory for the internal democracy of the party system in Nigeria,” Nwodo said.
He commended both politicians for reaching an understanding, saying their decision had strengthened the party’s resolve to work together and pursue its political objectives ahead of the 2027 governorship election.