Tension and chaos marred the National Democratic Congress (NDC) state congress in Enugu on Sunday, as suspected political thugs reportedly stormed the venue, disrupting proceedings shortly after voting concluded.
Despite the violence, John Paul Ani emerged as chairman of the party in the state, according to early results gathered by Headlineswave.ng.
Eyewitnesses said the congress, held at a public venue in Enugu, was initially peaceful before the sudden invasion by hoodlums.
The attackers allegedly vandalized materials, forced participants to flee, and temporarily halted the process.
Panic as Congress Turns Violent
Sources present at the scene described a moment of panic as delegates scrambled for safety while the attackers took control of the venue.
“They came in suddenly, scattered everything, and asked people to leave,” one witness recounted.
Reports indicate that banners and congress materials were destroyed during the incident, while security presence appeared insufficient to immediately contain the situation.
Ani’s Victory Stands Amid Crisis
Despite the disruption, party officials proceeded to affirm the outcome of the congress, declaring John Paul Ani as the duly elected chairman. Other members of the state EXCO were also elected
Insiders say the leadership is now working to consolidate the process and address grievances that may have triggered the unrest.
Smooth Exercises in Other States
In contrast to the Enugu incident, the NDC successfully conducted its state congresses in Sokoto and Delta without any reported violence or disruption.
Party sources confirmed that both states recorded peaceful, orderly processes, with delegates completing voting and leadership selections in a calm atmosphere—highlighting a sharp contrast to the unrest witnessed in Enugu.
Rising Concerns Over Political Violence
The incident adds to growing concerns about political violence in Nigeria, especially during intra-party contests.
Analysts warn that such disruptions could undermine democratic processes if not properly addressed.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC leadership has yet to issue a detailed official statement on the attack or outline steps to prevent future occurrences.
What Happens Next?
Possible internal review of the congress process,security agencies may investigate the attack and party leadership is expected to issue formal clarification
This report is based on verified eyewitness accounts and emerging details from credible sources. We remain committed to accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism.