The aggrieved aspirants accused certain party leaders of sidelining stakeholders and hijacking the nomination process, prompting them to call on the national leadership of the NDC to intervene and restore confidence in the party.
Their position was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Enugu on Monday. The document, endorsed by several aspirants, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the primaries.
Among those who signed the communiqué were Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, Chief VinMartin Obiora Ilo, Hon. Joseph Udedi, Engr. Eze Izuchukwu Alex, Hon. Felix Chijindu Uzodinma, Hon. Obiora Obasi, and Engr. Agu Cyprain Ifeanyi.
According to the forum, the primary election exercise in Enugu State failed to comply with the party’s established guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended). The group maintained that no valid direct primary was conducted and that no genuine consensus-building process involving aspirants and stakeholders took place.
The aspirants further alleged that control of the party structure had been concentrated in the hands of a small group, effectively excluding many members and stakeholders from key decisions relating to candidate selection for the 2027 general elections.
They also claimed that former Enugu State Governor and party leader, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, did not convene any meeting with aspirants and stakeholders to pursue a consensus arrangement as required by party regulations.
The forum subsequently passed a vote of no confidence in Dr. Nwodo, alongside Mathias Omeh, Major-General Fidelis Azinta (rtd), and Mr. John Nwokeabia, accusing them of bias, lack of transparency, abuse of trust, and actions detrimental to the party’s growth in the state.
The group also condemned what it described as excessive financial demands placed on aspirants, arguing that the nomination process was characterized by manipulation, irregularities, and a lack of accountability.
The aspirants urged the national leadership of the NDC to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address their grievances and ensure a