The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Anambra State, David Chukwudifu, has warned that the party could suffer a major setback in the state in the 2027 general elections if its existing leadership continues to be sidelined.
Chukwudifu, in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Newspaper, alleged that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his associates had excluded elected state executives from key decisions and were instead operating a parallel structure in the state.
He warned that the alleged division had weakened the party’s grassroots machinery to the extent that the NDC could struggle to win even a single ward in Anambra in 2027 if the dispute is not resolved.
According to him, the crisis began shortly after Obi joined the NDC on May 3, 2026.
Chukwudifu said the party’s state congress was held the following day, while its national convention took place in Abuja on May 9.
He alleged that efforts to establish contact with Obi after the convention, including phone calls and WhatsApp messages, yielded no response.
The state chairman further claimed that the existing leadership was subsequently shut out of key electoral processes, including the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants and conduct of the party’s primary election.
He alleged that the development had effectively sidelined state, local government and ward executives, while individuals linked to Obi’s political movement took control of party activities in the state.
Chukwudifu also claimed that the party’s activities had been conducted largely online, leaving many members and supporters uncertain about how to participate in its operations.
He further alleged that one of Obi’s associates once connected him to the former Anambra State governor on a phone call, during which Obi reportedly indicated that he would not work with the existing state leadership and that Chukwudifu could seek legal redress if he disagreed with the decision.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
Chukwudifu said he formally petitioned the party’s internal dispute-resolution organs on May 26 and 27, 2026, urging them to intervene in accordance with the NDC constitution.
He said copies of the petition were sent to the national chairman and national secretary through several channels, but that no response had been received.
The state chairman warned that the unresolved dispute could have serious consequences for the NDC’s electoral prospects, particularly given the strength of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which has dominated Anambra politics for nearly 24 years. 
He urged the party leadership to reconcile its factions, embrace inclusiveness and rebuild its grassroots structures before the 2027 elections.
According to him, alienating elected party officials and grassroots leaders could significantly weaken the NDC’s chances of making an impact in Anambra State.
The NDC will face a tough battle in the state, where APGA has maintained a strong political foothold over successive election cycles.
If you want, I can also make it more punchy and newspaper-style, with a harder-hitting headline such as: “2027: Obi May Lose Even a Ward in Anambra, NDC Chairman Warns”.
