NDC Crisis: Over 80 Enugu Aspirants Head to Court Over Alleged Primary Irregularities
NDC Crisis: Over 80 Enugu Aspirants Head to Court Over Alleged Primary Irregularities
The internal crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has escalated, with more than 80 aspirants preparing to institute legal action against the party over alleged violations of the Electoral Act and irregularities in the nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aggrieved aspirants accused the party leadership of failing to conduct valid primary elections despite collecting nomination fees from contestants. They also alleged that candidates were being imposed without following the procedures stipulated by law, describing the development as a direct assault on internal democracy.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting in Enugu, the aspirants said they had exhausted all internal mechanisms for resolving the dispute without success, leaving them with no option but to seek judicial intervention. They maintained that while they remain committed to the ideals of the party, they would not tolerate actions capable of undermining transparency and accountability within its ranks.
The group insisted that no direct primary elections were conducted across the state and that no genuine consensus process took place. They argued that any attempt to submit candidates under such circumstances would amount to a violation of the Electoral Act. The aspirants also alleged financial exploitation during the nomination process and accused some party leaders of abandoning the principles of fairness and internal democracy.
They further passed a vote of no confidence on some key party leaders in Enugu State, accusing them of mismanaging the affairs of the party and frustrating genuine members seeking elective offices. The aspirants called on the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to intervene and restore confidence in the party’s leadership by ensuring transparency and adherence to due process.
According to the aggrieved members, the party’s recent electoral setbacks are linked to alleged candidate imposition and disregard for democratic principles. They warned that unless urgent corrective measures are taken, the lingering crisis could further weaken the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
