TDThe National Democratic Coalition (NDC) is facing mounting pressure over its handling of the Enugu West Senatorial primaries.
One such pressure is contained in an open letter to Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the party.
The letter was written by Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, a senatorial aspirant.
Ogbonnia had raised alarm over the absence of valid primaries or consensus agreements in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
His warning coincides with fresh allegations of extortion against NDC officials, painting a troubling picture of a party at risk of implosion.
Ogbonnia’s Call for Compliance
Ogbonnia, a lifelong advocate of electoral integrity, cited Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2026.
He insists that the law requires candidates to emerge either through democratically conducted primaries or consensus agreements signed by all aspirants.
He noted that although a primary was scheduled, it was abandoned despite a massive turnout of his supporters.
He emphasized that any attempt to submit names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without following due process would invalidate nominations.
“Proceeding without a legally sound process will provoke an unimaginable electoral crisis,” Ogbonnia warned.
He added that such actions would expose the party to litigation and disqualification by the opposition.
Extortion Allegations Deepen the Crisis
The controversy is further compounded by a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by a lawyer-aspirant.
The aspirant accused NDC officials of demanding ₦20 million in extortion fees for candidacy clearance.
This allegation, if proven, underscores systemic corruption within the party’s internal processes.
Such practices not only undermine democratic principles but also directly contradict the transparency and fairness mandated by the Electoral Act.
The extortion claims reinforce Ogbonnia’s warning that NDC risks disqualification and reputational collapse if corrective measures are not taken.
How NDC Is Courting Trouble
| Issue | Implication |
|---|---|
| No valid primaries or consensus | INEC may reject candidate list |
| Ignoring petitions from aspirants | Internal revolt and factional crisis |
| ₦20m extortion allegations | EFCC investigation, criminal liability |
| Non-compliance with Electoral Act | Legal challenges, disqualification |
| Public perception | Loss of credibility and voter trust |
The convergence of Ogbonnia’s open letter and the extortion allegations highlight a dangerous trajectory for NDC.
With INEC’s deadline fast approaching, the party faces the dual threat of legal disqualification and public backlash.
Opposition parties are likely to exploit these lapses, while EFCC investigations could further erode confidence in the coalition’s leadership.
Dr. SKC Ogbonnia’s appeal is both urgent and timely.
NDC must immediately conduct lawful primaries or finalize a consensus agreement in line with the Electoral Act.
At the same time, the party must address corruption allegations to restore credibility.
Failure to act decisively could plunge NDC into electoral chaos, leaving its candidates vulnerable to rejection and its reputation in tatters.
