A group of aspirants under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has distanced itself from a purported list of candidates allegedly produced by the state leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the exercise as unfair and inconsistent with the party's established procedures.
The aggrieved aspirants, who met in Enugu on Monday, also expressed a lack of confidence in some key party leaders, including former governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, accusing them of actions they claim have undermined internal democracy and weakened the party's chances of electoral success.
In a communiqué signed by 30 aspirants seeking various elective positions, the group maintained that no valid primary election was conducted in the state. They argued that neither direct primaries nor a consensus arrangement, as required by the party's guidelines and relevant electoral laws, took place before the emergence of the alleged candidates.
According to the aspirants, the party structure in the state had been taken over by a small group of individuals who sidelined stakeholders, grassroots members and aspirants from key decisions concerning the party's future.
The group further alleged that there was no engagement between aspirants, stakeholders and the state leadership aimed at reaching a consensus, contrary to provisions contained in the party's guidelines for the 2027 primaries.
They specifically passed a vote of no confidence on Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Mathias Omeh, retired Major-General Fidelis Azinta and Mr. John Nwokeabia, accusing them of bias, lack of transparency, abuse of trust and involvement in activities detrimental to the party's growth.
The aspirants also condemned what they described as excessive financial demands placed on contestants during the nomination process, alleging that the exercise lacked transparency and was characterized by irregularities and manipulation.
They insisted that the process violated both the party's guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended).
To resolve the crisis, the aspirants appealed to the national leadership of the party to establish an independent committee to oversee activities in Enugu State and ensure that future primaries are conducted in line with party regulations and electoral laws.
They also requested an audience with the national leadership to formally present their grievances and recommendations, while calling for a stakeholders' meeting involving members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, aspirants and representatives from the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to them, such a meeting would help address the growing concerns over party unity and stability in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite their grievances, the forum reaffirmed its loyalty to the party's national leadership, including National Leader Seriake Dickson, presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, pledging continued commitment to the party's objectives.
