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A group of aspirants under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has rejected the party’s primary election process ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging widespread irregularities, exclusion of stakeholders, and violation of party guidelines.
The aggrieved aspirants, operating under the banner of the Enugu Forum of Aspirants, made their position known in a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Enugu on Monday 15, June.
The forum maintained that no valid primary election was conducted in the state, arguing that neither a direct primary nor a consensus arrangement involving aspirants and key stakeholders took place as required by the party’s guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended).
According to the communiqué, the aspirants accused a “small clique” within the party of hijacking the party structure and truncating the primary process, thereby excluding the majority of stakeholders, grassroots members and aspirants from participating in critical decisions concerning the future of the party in the state.
The forum specifically alleged that former Governor of old Enugu State and NDC leader in the state, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, did not convene any meeting with aspirants and stakeholders to facilitate a consensus process as stipulated by party regulations.
Consequently, the aspirants passed a vote of no confidence on Nwodo, alongside party chieftains Mathias Omeh, retired Major-General Fidelis Azinta and Mr. John Nwokeabia, accusing them of high-handedness, abuse of trust, partiality, lack of accountability and actions allegedly detrimental to the party’s electoral prospects in Enugu State.
The forum also condemned what it described as excessive financial extortion and exploitation of aspirants, while alleging that the nomination process lacked transparency and accountability.
“The entire nomination process is shrouded in manipulation, irregularities and conduct inconsistent with the values and principles upon which the party was founded,” the communiqué stated.
The aspirants further expressed concern over what they described as growing dissatisfaction among party members in Enugu West Senatorial District, claiming that many members were defecting to other political parties due to perceived injustice, inequity and lack of direction within the party.
Calls for National Intervention
The forum called on the national leadership of the NDC to reject any list of candidates submitted by the state leadership, insisting that such a list would not reflect the wishes of party members.
Among its demands, the group urged the national leadership to:
Disregard any candidate list produced by the Nwodo-led state leadership.
Direct Dr. Nwodo and other state party leaders accused of bias to recuse themselves from the candidate nomination process.
Establish an independent committee to oversee party activities in Enugu State and ensure credible candidates emerge in accordance with party guidelines and electoral laws.
Grant an audience to a delegation of aggrieved aspirants from the three senatorial zones of the state.
Convene a high-level stakeholders’ meeting involving national and state leaders, aspirants and representatives of the three senatorial districts to address the crisis and restore unity within the party.
Despite their grievances, the aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to the national leadership of the NDC, led by former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
They also pledged support for the party’s presidential ticket comprising Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The communiqué was signed by Dr. SKC Ogbonnia and more than two dozen aspirants and stakeholders from across Enugu State.
The development signals growing internal tensions within the NDC in Enugu State, raising concerns about party cohesion as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Political observers believe that the response of the party’s national leadership to the grievances raised by the aspirants could play a significant role in determining the party’s strength and electoral prospects in the state ahead of the polls.
