TDA fresh scandal has rocked the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a senatorial aspirant, Barrister OAU Onyema, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged extortion and fraudulent inducement by members of the party’s senatorial screening committee.
The petition dated June 3, 2026, was received by the EFCC on June 9, 2026.
The Petition
Onyema, through his solicitors OAU Onyema & Co., alleged that he was coerced into parting with ₦20 million.
He said he was given the impression that the payment was necessary to secure serious consideration for the Enugu West Senatorial ticket.
Onyema explained that he had already purchased the party’s Expression of Interest Form for ₦3 million and voluntarily paid ₦500,000 as a development levy into the party’s account.
However, during the screening exercise, he claimed that the chairman of the panel — former Governor Sam Egwu — informed aspirants that senatorial contenders were expected to “show capacity” by contributing ₦20 million.
According to Onyema, House of Representatives aspirants were told to contribute ₦10 million.
Meanwhile, governorship aspirants were expected to pay ₦50 million, though described as “voluntary”.
Onyema insisted that the conduct and comments of the committee created the impression that payment was a prerequisite for serious consideration.
Alleged Misrepresentation
Onyema claimed that he made the ₦20 million payment and submitting evidence to the screening committee.
However, he later discovered that several aspirants who did not make similar contributions were still being considered and sponsored by the party.
He maintained that he would not have paid the money but for the representations allegedly made by members of the screening committee and party officials.
Despite participating in the screening and primary election process, Onyema said he was neither issued nomination documents nor given any explanation regarding the status of his candidature.
Resignation and EFCC Petition
Frustrated by the development, Onyema resigned from the NDC and demanded a refund of the ₦20 million through a letter addressed to the party leadership.
His demand, however, was ignored.
Consequently, he petitioned the EFCC, urging the anti-graft agency to:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the collection of the funds.
- Examine how the money paid into the party’s account was utilized.
- Identify the roles played by individuals connected to the transaction.
- Recover the ₦20 million and prosecute anyone found culpable of obtaining money under false pretence, fraudulent inducement, extortion, abuse of office, or related financial crimes.
Silence from NDC Leadership and Broader Implications
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the NDC leadership were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The allegations, however, have already sparked heated discussions within political circles, raising questions about transparency and accountability in party primaries.
This petition adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Nigeria’s political parties, where aspirants often complain of financial exploitation during nomination processes.
Analysts warn that such practices undermine internal democracy, discourage credible aspirants, and fuel corruption within the political system.
The EFCC’s response to Onyema’s petition will be closely watched.
It could set a precedent for how financial misconduct within political parties is addressed.
Barrister Onyema’s petition against the NDC screening committee highlights the deepening concerns over extortion and financial impropriety in Nigeria’s political nomination processes.
As it stands, ₦20 million have allegedly been procured under coercive circumstances.
The case now rests with the EFCC to determine whether criminal liability exists and whether justice will be served.
