By Isaac Mission
The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has threatened to withdraw from the forthcoming local government elections if the state electoral commission, ENSIEC, fails to release materials it says are required for its participation.
The party made the position known after an emergency meeting of its State Executive Committee (SEC), where members reportedly expressed concern over what they described as the alleged deliberate withholding of the party’s electoral materials by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission.
In a statement issued by the state secretary, Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel, the NDC said the alleged action by ENSIEC could prevent the party from effectively participating in the council elections.
According to the party, denying a registered political party access to materials necessary for an election amounts to an infringement on its political and constitutional rights.
The NDC argued that an electoral body should not take steps capable of preventing a duly registered political party from participating in an election, warning that such an action could undermine the credibility and fairness of the process.
The party therefore called on ENSIEC to immediately provide the materials it claims are being withheld and ensure what it described as equal treatment for all participating political parties.
It warned that failure to resolve the matter could force it to boycott the forthcoming local government elections.
The NDC said proceeding with the election under circumstances where it had allegedly been denied the necessary materials would amount to accepting a process it considers lacking in fairness, transparency and credibility.
The party also urged its members across Enugu State to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting further developments.
NDC Expels SKC Ogbonnia
The SEC meeting also considered the case of Mr SKC Ogbonnia, whom the party said had been placed on indefinite suspension since May 18.
According to the NDC, Ogbonnia's suspension followed disciplinary proceedings by the Ward Executive Committee of Ward 9, covering Amoli/Ogugu/Owelli/Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area.
The party alleged that the disciplinary action was connected to accusations including anti-party activities, misconduct, sabotage and disloyalty.
The NDC further claimed that despite the suspension remaining in force, Ogbonnia obtained and paid for the party's Expression of Interest Form for the senatorial election.
The SEC described the move as a violation of the party's internal disciplinary procedures, maintaining that a suspended member should not take part in the party's nomination process while the suspension remains active.
Following a review of the ward-level disciplinary proceedings and recommendations, the SEC said it resolved to expel Ogbonnia from the party.
However, the NDC stated that the expulsion has been forwarded to the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) for formal ratification in accordance with its constitution.
The party maintained that the issues surrounding both the alleged withholding of electoral materials and Ogbonnia's expulsion go beyond individual personalities, insisting that they concern internal democracy, constitutional order and the right of political parties to participate fairly in elections.
