Lagos NDC Primary Election Crisis: Aspirants Reject Reps Ticket Outcome
A fresh crisis has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos State as three aspirants for the House of Representatives ticket in Ojo Federal Constituency rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election, alleging that no valid poll was conducted.
The aggrieved aspirants, led by Godwin Ezeoke, petitioned the party’s national leadership, calling for the cancellation of the exercise and the conduct of a fresh primary. They accused some party officials of imposing a candidate on members without following due process.
According to the petition, which was addressed to the party’s National Chairman through the National Secretary, the aspirants claimed that a winner was declared despite the absence of a legitimate electoral process. Their legal representative described the development as unlawful, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and contrary to the party’s established guidelines.
Ezeoke alleged that key party officials failed to organize a transparent primary election before announcing a candidate, warning that the action could expose the NDC to legal battles, reputational damage, and possible sanctions from electoral authorities. He maintained that the decision had already generated dissatisfaction and tension among party members in Ojo Federal Constituency.
Another aspirant, Ifeanyi Okparaugo, supported the allegations, insisting that there were no electoral officials present at the venue of the supposed primary election. He further claimed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were absent throughout the exercise.
A third aspirant, Ola Ogunlana, also questioned the credibility of the process, challenging party officials to provide evidence that a primary election actually took place. The aspirants further alleged that the venue used for the exercise was financed by one of the contestants rather than the party, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
The dissatisfied aspirants have urged the National Working Committee of the NDC to nullify the disputed result, withdraw recognition from the declared winner, organize a fresh primary election, and establish an independent panel to investigate the controversy.
Responding to the growing dispute, the party’s spokesperson, Osa Director, disclosed that a reconciliation committee had been constituted to address the grievances and restore unity within the party. He expressed confidence that ongoing consultations would resolve the crisis and prevent further divisions ahead of future elections.
