The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed allegations of candidate imposition in the South-East geopolitical zone, stating that its primary elections were transparent and driven by stakeholder consensus.
The party clarified that the National Secretariat played no role in picking or choosing candidates for any constituency or state, contrary to claims circulating in some quarters.
National Secretary of the NDC, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, explained that the party adopted an innovative approach that prioritised consensus-building and stakeholder consultations to minimise disputes and strengthen internal cohesion .
According to him, the process was particularly effective in the South-East, where caucus leaders and political stakeholders were tasked with coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on the political realities of their respective states .
The party identified the South-East caucus leaders as Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia), former Governor Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo (Enugu), and former Governor Achike Udenwa (Imo), while the structure of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, coordinated activities in Anambra State .
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu stated.
He added that all aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their states, stressing that the process was conducted without prejudice to any aspirant .
The party further clarified that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by caucus leaders or stakeholders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
Spear News Nigeria reports that despite the party’s assurances, some aggrieved aspirants have cried out over the conduct of the primaries, particularly in Imo State, alleging manipulation and hijacking of the party structure.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Uche Nwole, who contested for a senatorial ticket in Imo State, led a group of aggrieved aspirants to appeal to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to intervene .
Addressing journalists in Abuja while presenting a petition to the NDC Appeal Committee, Nwole alleged that vested interests hijacked the primaries and that the results eventually submitted to the party’s national headquarters did not result from any recognised electoral process .
According to the petitioners, members of the electoral panel deployed by the party’s national leadership had assured aspirants and stakeholders at a meeting in Owerri that candidates would emerge either through consensus or direct primaries across the state’s wards .
However, the aspirants claimed that no member of the electoral panel or any designated returning officer appeared to conduct the exercise anywhere in the state.
“We mobilised and waited for the returning officers to conduct the direct primary and never saw a single soul throughout the night and early in the morning,” Nwole said .
The petitioners alleged that while local government party chairmen and executives conducted primaries at the grassroots, members of the electoral panel relocated to the residence of a prominent politician in Emekuku, Owerri, where alternative results were allegedly prepared before being taken to Abuja .
The aspirants further claimed that members of the panel became unreachable during the exercise, allegedly switching off their telephone lines and avoiding contact with key party officials, including the state chairman and local government chairmen .
Nwole also alleged that before the primaries, a party chieftain, Chief Martin Agbaso, had boasted that he had secured control of the party structure in Imo State and would determine who emerged as candidates for elective positions .
The aggrieved aspirants called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the primaries and the role played by the electoral panel, warning that the future of the party in Imo State depends on the credibility of the process .
Pressure on Peter Obi in Anambra
Beyond Imo State, the outcome of the NDC primaries in Anambra State has placed Peter Obi under political pressure, with a wave of grassroots-backed aspirants reportedly displacing several established political figures across key constituencies and senatorial districts .
The biggest political shock from the exercise remains the reported defeat of incumbent Senator Victor Umeh in the contest for the Anambra Central Senatorial ticket, a development that has triggered intense discussions within the party and across the state .
Political insiders said the emergence of new candidates has unsettled parts of the party establishment, with some displaced stakeholders now looking toward Obi and the national leadership as the ratification process draws closer .
Critics contend that any perceived attempt to overturn or dilute the outcome of the primaries could undermine the image that has distinguished him from many of his political contemporaries.
Acknowledging the complaints, the NDC leadership disclosed that the National Executive Committee had approved the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process to address grievances and strengthen unity within the party .
“As resolved at the NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion and the continued growth of our party,” Enekweizu said .
Similarly, the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, acknowledged that despite being barely three months old, the NDC had successfully conducted nationwide primaries, adding that it was not surprising that there were a few complaints .
Calling on aspirants who were dissatisfied with the outcome to remain committed to the party, Dickson said, “You may have lost today, but you may win tomorrow. What is important is that the party has emerged stronger” .
Peter Obi also urged members to remain united and make sacrifices for the growth of the party despite disappointments arising from the primaries.
“Let us not be occupied with the disappointment of today. Let us look at tomorrow. Those who did not win today may win tomorrow,” Obi said .
He assured party members that the NDC would remain a platform built on inclusiveness and accommodation, stressing that when entrusted with power, the party would demonstrate internal democracy and fairness .
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