A civic group, the Enugu Citizens Intelligence Network, has petitioned the National Working Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging a coordinated plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State to infiltrate opposition parties and weaken support for former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, across the South-East.
The group made the allegation in the petition dated May 14, 2026, and addressed to the NDC leadership in Abuja.
It claimed that politicians linked to the APC-backed “City Boys Movement” were strategically positioning themselves within opposition platforms, particularly the NDC, to allegedly hijack party structures and influence electoral outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The petition, signed by the group’s State Chairman, Ferdinand Asogwa, and Secretary, Stanley Ngwu, alleged that intelligence gathered by the network pointed to a “coordinated infiltration strategy” designed to weaken opposition politics in the region.
According to the group, the alleged plan involves planting APC loyalists within the NDC to secure key party tickets, especially National Assembly positions, while working against the broader interests of opposition forces in the South-East.
Nelson Arum’s scrutiny
The petition specifically singled out Nelson Maduka Arum, popularly known as “Mama,” whose recent political movement into the NDC, the group said, should be closely scrutinized.
“Information available to our network suggests that his political activities deserve urgent scrutiny.
“There are concerns that he is part of a broader political operation involving individuals associated with the City Boys Movement and other political actors spread across the South-East region,” the petition stated.
The group further alleged that some individuals joining the NDC and other opposition parties may not be driven by ideology, but by a calculated effort to manipulate internal party processes and weaken opposition structures from within.
“Our concerns are heightened by reports of Mr. Nelson Maduka Arum’s previous political relationships and activities, including ties with ruling party interests and government-linked circles,” the petition added.
Hijacking NASS tickets
The network also raised fears that certain individuals could attempt to hijack senatorial and National Assembly tickets in Enugu and other South-East states while allegedly sabotaging opposition interests.
It warned that such alleged infiltration could threaten the unity, credibility, and long-term direction of the NDC.
The group urged the party leadership to immediately investigate the claims and conduct thorough background checks on aspirants and emerging political blocs seeking strategic positions within the party.
It also called for a probe into alleged links between some new entrants into the NDC and political structures associated with the APC’s “City Boys Movement.”
“We refuse to stand by and watch any alleged attempt to manipulate or undermine the aspirations of citizens seeking credible political alternatives,” the group stated.
