Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ene-Nwannaji secured the party’s ticket after emerging victorious in the governorship primary election conducted across the state on Friday.
He defeated other contenders in the race, including Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa and Senator Gilbert Nnaji.
Announcing the result, the Enugu State Secretary of the party, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, said the exercise was conducted across the 17 local government areas in compliance with directives from the party’s national leadership.
Okafor disclosed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission monitored the exercise.
The party also announced the winners of its senatorial primary elections in the state.
According to the results released, Dr. Chika Obetta emerged as the candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, while Dr. Mrs. Celelia Ikechukwu secured the ticket for Enugu East Senatorial District.
Barrister Mrs. Ugochi Ohajekwe was also declared winner of the Enugu West Senatorial District primary.
In the House of Representatives primaries, Dr. Stephen Ugwoke clinched the ticket for Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, while Barrister Chimezie Nwodo emerged candidate for Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency.
Barrister Kene Nnadi was declared winner for Enugu North/Enugu South Federal Constituency, Comrade Felix Ijegalu secured the ticket for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, while Barrister Onyebuchi Nwabueze emerged candidate for Igboetiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.
Okafor added that names of other successful House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates would be released subsequently.
Reacting to the exercise, the NDC Chairman in Enugu State, Dr. Johnpaul Ani, described the primaries as peaceful, transparent and well coordinated.
Ani stated that the exercise complied with the party’s constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He added that the successful conduct of the primaries reflected the party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
The chairman urged aspirants who lost in the contest to support the party and work together ahead of the governorship election scheduled for January 2027.
