NDC in Fresh Storm Over Primaries, Litigation Looms

Concerned stakeholders, aspirants and members of the Obidient Movement in Enugu State have called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to urgently address grievances arising from the party's screening, primary election and candidate selection processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an open letter addressed to the party's national leadership, South-East zonal leaders and stakeholders of the Obidient Movement, the group warned that unresolved disputes could undermine party cohesion, weaken grassroots confidence and expose the party to prolonged litigation.

The stakeholders said many members across Enugu State and the wider South-East region were becoming increasingly concerned that the ideals upon which the Obidient Movement was founded were gradually being eroded.

According to the letter, concerns intensified following the screening exercises, primary elections and candidate selection processes conducted in preparation for the 2027 elections.

The group stated that many aspirants made substantial financial commitments during the screening process in the belief that the exercise would be transparent, credible and fair.

They noted that aspirants subsequently participated in primary elections conducted under the supervision of party officials and electoral monitors, expecting that the outcomes would reflect the will of delegates and party members.

However, the stakeholders alleged that dissatisfaction began to grow following reports that some primary election results were set aside and that certain candidates were replaced by individuals perceived to have the backing of influential figures within the party.

They further expressed concern over what they described as the increasing centralisation of decision-making in the candidate selection process.

"Many party members believe that the movement, which was built by young people, grassroots mobilisers and loyal supporters, is increasingly being controlled by a small group of political elites," the letter stated.

The stakeholders also raised concerns about the perceived marginalisation of younger aspirants and members of the Obidient Movement.

"There is a growing perception among party faithful that younger aspirants and members of the Obidient Movement have been sidelined in favour of older political actors, many of whom are viewed as representatives of the old political order that Nigerians sought to replace," the group said.

While acknowledging that such perceptions may be contested, the stakeholders argued that they were contributing to internal divisions and diminishing confidence among supporters.

Addressing the party leadership and the Presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, the group called for decisive intervention to protect internal democracy and preserve the confidence of party members.

"Millions of Nigerians embraced the message of hope, fairness, competence, accountability and inclusion because they believed that a new political culture was possible.

The Obidient Movement was not built by political godfathers; it was built by ordinary Nigerians who believed in a better future for the country," the stakeholders stated.

The group maintained that the most significant threat facing the party was not external opposition but internal discord.

"The greatest threat facing the NDC today is not APC, PDP or any other opposition party. The greatest threat is internal injustice, disunity and the growing loss of confidence among grassroots members," the letter said.

The stakeholders warned that unresolved disputes arising from screenings, primaries and candidate substitutions could result in widespread legal challenges with potentially damaging consequences for the party.

"Litigation has weakened political parties in the past. Litigation can invalidate candidacies, divide supporters, destroy public confidence and ultimately weaken the electoral prospects of both the NDC and its candidates," they stated.

The group called on Peter Obi, former Enugu State Governor Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, members of the National Working Committee and South-East party leaders to urgently review all disputes arising from the screening and primary election processes.

They further advocated greater transparency in candidate selection, respect for the outcomes of genuine primary elections, the establishment of an independent appeal mechanism for aggrieved aspirants, increased inclusion of young people, reconciliation across affected constituencies and dialogue-driven resolution of disputes before they escalate into prolonged litigation.

According to the stakeholders, the party still has an opportunity to rebuild trust, correct perceived shortcomings and reaffirm its commitment to a new political direction for Nigeria.

"The NDC still has an opportunity to correct perceived mistakes, rebuild trust and demonstrate that it truly represents a new political direction for Nigeria.

If justice is done, party members will unite. If fairness prevails, supporters will mobilise. If transparency is embraced, confidence will return.

But if legitimate concerns continue to be ignored, the party risks entering the 2027 elections divided, distracted and weakened," the statement added.

The stakeholders expressed hope that wisdom, fairness and justice would guide the party's leadership in resolving the disputes and strengthening internal democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tags

#NDC #PeterObi #ObidientMovement #EnuguPolitics #PartyPrimaries #InternalDemocracy #2027Elections #PoliticalLitigation