By Sebastine chukwuebuka Okafor Bookastro and Michael Chinagolum Ezeh
A few weeks ago, when I wrote two articles about the true state of the PDP in Enugu State, I was maligned and bullied by people who have no understanding of what grassroots politics actually means. As someone who is a trained journalist and a former grassroots opposition party leader, I understand perfectly what party politics at that level entails. Even some Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, who would send screenshots of my chats to some of my friends, tagging me “anti-Mbah” and accusing me of working for Uche Nnaji, can now see the importance of monthly party meetings.
In Enugu State PDP today, there exists a well-known but often unspoken division—especially within the Enugu West Senatorial District. It is between what is commonly referred to as the “Oga’s group” and the “Ebola group.” The “Oga’s group” comprises individuals seen as loyal to the Governor and his inner circle, while the “Ebola group” includes those who are either independent or aligned with other political figures not currently in the Governor’s favor.
For example, there are several factions: “Ndị Otu Ugochi,” “Ndị Otu Ike na Toby,” “Ndị Otu Omeiheukwu,” “Ndị Otu RG,” “Ndị Otu Dr. Ụzọr,” “Ndị Otu Kwashi,” “Ndị Otu 17/17,” “Ndị Otu Mayor Aninri,” “Ndị Otu Ozomgbachi,” “Ndị Otu Chief of Staff,” and so on. These groups thrive on a common strategy—lies and blackmail. This has led to a dangerously managed division in the PDP, especially in Enugu West, where many ward executive lists have been altered without consulting the ward leaders, who now feel betrayed and sidelined.
One wonders why anyone would come to a political ward that has influential leaders like Toby Okechukwu, Ozomgbachi, RG, and Engr. Onwuegbu—only to tamper with the lists they endorsed and still expect peace. That is not just a slight—it is a political insult born out of manipulation, propaganda, and a hunger for control that knows no bounds.
PDP in Enugu West is not only divided; it is heavily segregated. The most affected are the camps of Onwuegbu and RG—the two National Assembly members from the PDP who miraculously survived the Peter Obi wave. In most cases, anyone seen praising their efforts is treated like a virus carrier. Such people are removed from WhatsApp groups or denied access to vital party information and mobilization channels.
A keen observer would notice that many core PDP members hardly ever publicize the activities of these leaders. Their works are often ignored or downplayed—only non-members or casual sympathizers tend to appreciate or highlight their contributions. The most ignored and uncelebrated of them all is Engr. Onwuegbu.
The PDP in Enugu is standing on a cliff edge. If nothing is done urgently, the party might not survive the coming tide. The beauty of a political party lies in its openness, fairness, and respect for the grassroots. Once that is lost, it becomes nothing more than a club of handpicked appointees. The idea that a few privileged individuals can sit in Government House and determine who makes up ward leadership without consulting the people on ground is not only shameful—it is political suicide. People are watching, and what they may not say now, they will express with their votes when the time comes.
Those who think these name alterations are insignificant will soon realize their mistake. The people you insulted, the ones whose names you removed, whose followers you displaced, will not lift a finger for you when the next election calls. This is not about being “anti-Mbah” or working for any other camp—it’s about fairness and respect. If the PDP in Enugu West fails to reset and make peace with its true stakeholders, it may have unwittingly built its biggest opposition from within. You can’t keep silencing voices just because they don’t echo the current tunes from the top.
Many of these sidelined leaders have built structures, loyalty, and reputations over the years. They’re not political novices. In just a few weeks, they can collapse entire blocs and float new alignments that will shake the entire system. The people trust them—they are visible, reachable, and dependable. These are the same leaders who kept the PDP afloat during the turbulent Obidient wave. To now treat them with contempt is to hand the party over to opportunists who only have access to power but not the people.
There are also whispers—whispers of plans between some of these disrespected blocs and political actors from Enugu North. Today it may sound like gossip, but tomorrow it may become a full movement. A new political wave is forming, and when it hits, it will not spare those who ignored the signs. You can’t build anything lasting on manipulation. The PDP in Enugu West is bleeding. No amount of WhatsApp bans, name-calling, or selective appointments will stop the silent rage growing in the hearts of real party members.
The solution is simple—restore the original ward lists, stop the character assassinations, and allow true leaders to breathe. The party must return to the people, or the people will abandon the party. What is happening now is not just unfair—it is cruel. I see a Zamfara and Rivers APC situation happening in PDP Enugu state, if a care is not taken.
