By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is confident of strong performance in the September 26 local government elections, while calling on the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) to maintain fairness and transparency throughout the process.

The party’s state chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, made this known on Monday while speaking with journalists in Enugu, noting that all its candidates had successfully passed through ENSIEC screening ahead of the polls.

He disclosed that the party has fielded more than 14 chairmanship candidates and over 210 councillorship candidates across the state, adding that preparations for the elections were in full swing.

Anih described the forthcoming polls as a key test of the political climate in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He commended ENSIEC for what he called a transparent and inclusive screening process, while warning against any attempt to undermine the credibility of the elections.

“We are encouraged by the professionalism and transparency demonstrated by ENSIEC throughout the screening process,” he said. “However, any attempt to manipulate the process will be strongly resisted through lawful means.”

He added that the party’s primary elections were conducted transparently and monitored by electoral and security agencies, producing candidates he described as competent and grassroots-driven.

Also speaking, the NDC State Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, expressed optimism that the party would record significant success if the elections are conducted freely and fairly.

He said the party’s candidates have strong records of community service and are already generating public support across their constituencies.

Okafor also commended ENSIEC for creating what he described as a fair environment for political participation, urging the commission to sustain the standard.

He called on residents of Enugu State to support the party’s vision, saying the NDC is committed to improving grassroots governance through accountability and effective representation.