A senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Edo South Senatorial District, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has expressed disappointment over developments within the party, describing his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the NDC as a move “from frying pan to hell fire.”
Agbonayinwa, a former member of the House of Representatives, made the remarks while speaking on Arise News’ News Day programme on Friday, where he alleged that despite winning the party’s senatorial primary election, he is being denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot.
The former governorship aspirant claimed that the NDC has failed to announce the results of the primary election conducted on May 29, raising concerns about transparency within the party.
According to him, efforts were initially made to secure a consensus candidate before the party eventually opted for a direct primary election.
“I’ve moved from frying pan to hell fire. We had the direct primary after we couldn’t reach a consensus. They kept us in the room at the time with all other contestants for us to step down for each other, and we couldn’t do that,” he said.
Agbonayinwa said he participated in what he described as a rigorous primary process but was surprised by the delay in the announcement of the outcome.
“We went through rigorous processes. I understand that they are new, but I have never experienced this being with APC or being with PDP. Never. Where people were asked to go for primary… May 29 was the day the primary was conducted, today is June 5 and elections have not been announced,” he added.
The politician also alleged that the national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, had personally encouraged him to contest for the Edo South Senate seat under the party.
Agbonayinwa said he had initially planned to seek election to the House of Representatives but reconsidered after discussions with Dickson.
“The national leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, a very good friend and a brother to me for many years. We are colleagues. He was the governor, now senator, a brother I respect dearly,” he said.
Recounting their interaction, Agbonayinwa stated that he contacted Dickson before leaving his former party and was invited to his residence for discussions.
“I went to his house and he said, ‘Why can’t you go to the Senate under NDC?’ I said I will think about it. For me, I was going for the House of Reps, but when he offered that, I started thinking. I said I will consult with my leaders, which I did, and I told him thank you,” he said.
The aspirant, however, expressed shock that Dickson allegedly denied making the suggestion during a meeting held on Friday.
“But to my greatest surprise, the same man who asked me to go and buy the form, this morning we had a meeting and he said he never said so,” Agbonayinwa alleged.
The NDC leadership has yet to publicly respond to the claims as controversy continues to trail the party’s primary election process ahead of the forthcoming polls.
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