The nomination crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has escalated, with more than 80 aspirants announcing plans to challenge the party in court over alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and claims of widespread financial extortion.
The aggrieved aspirants accused the party of failing to conduct primary elections after collecting substantial nomination fees from contestants. They also alleged that party leaders were imposing unpopular candidates instead of following due process.
According to the aspirants, all internal mechanisms for resolving the dispute have been exhausted without success, leaving them with no option but to seek legal redress.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting in Enugu on Thursday, they reaffirmed their commitment to the vision of a “New Nigeria” but insisted they would not allow what they described as impunity to undermine the party’s principles in the state.
The communiqué was signed by several party members, including Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, Joseph Udedi, Eze Izuchukwu Alex, Felix Chijindu Uzodinma, Obiora Obasi, Agu Cyprian Ifeanyi, Ude Kingsley Amobi, Martin Ibeabuchi Ene, Jude Chinyeaka Ozoukeje, Tobenna Okolo, Okafor Benjamin Chinedu, Aniagboso Solomon, Chibuike Lawrence, El-Aja Ogbonnaya and Obiajulu Uja, among others.
The aspirants maintained that no direct primaries were held anywhere in Enugu State and that no effort was made to build consensus among contestants.
“We have stated times without number that no direct primaries were conducted anywhere in Enugu State. Furthermore, there has been absolutely no attempt to engage in consensus building. These are the two strict conditions explicitly demanded by the Electoral Act of 2026 for nominating candidates. Consequently, the Enugu State NDC cannot, and must not, nominate any candidates for upcoming elections without meeting these legal requirements. Proceeding to submit names under the current circumstances constitutes a flagrant disregard for extant laws,” they said.
They further alleged that aspirants were subjected to “extensive and massive financial extortion,” claiming that individuals they described as the party’s state leaders had compromised the movement’s anti-corruption ideals.
The group also reaffirmed its vote of no confidence in Dr. Okwy Nwodo, Gen. Fidelis Azinta (Rtd.), John Nwokeabia and Mathias Omeh over their handling of the party’s affairs in Enugu State.
The aspirants urged the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to intervene, arguing that his appointees and designated leaders in the Southeast, particularly in Enugu State, had failed the party.
They also cited the outcome of the recent Enugu North Senatorial election, where they said the NDC secured about 3,000 votes compared with the APC’s 162,000, attributing the poor performance to the alleged imposition of unpopular candidates and the abandonment of internal democratic processes.
About The Author
