TD Enugu, Enugu State — Senate aspirant Dr. SKC Ogbonnia has dismissed reports naming him as the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) candidate for the Enugu West Senatorial District.
Ogbonnia described the circulating lists as “fake”, insisting that no lawful candidate has yet emerged for the 2027 election.
He made the remarks after returning to Enugu from a series of consultations with stakeholders and relevant institutions in Abuja.
Ogbonnia said he remained committed to keeping supporters fully informed about developments surrounding the party’s nomination process.
According to the former presidential aspirant, the NDC has neither announced nor is legally in a position to announce a candidate for Enugu State at this stage.
He stressed that, under Nigeria’s electoral framework, candidates can only emerge through either a duly conducted direct primary election or a formally agreed consensus process.
Ogbonnia stated that while his supporters turned out in large numbers across the Enugu West Senatorial District in anticipation of the party’s primary, the exercise did not eventually take place.
He also maintained that no consensus arrangement was initiated to select a candidate.
“As matters stand, there has been neither a valid primary election nor a consensus process capable of producing a lawful candidate,” he said.
He further warned against any attempt to impose candidates outside the provisions of the law.
He noted that Nigerian courts have consistently ruled against nominations that fail to comply with electoral requirements.
Addressing reports that names are currently being uploaded to electoral platforms, Ogbonnia argued that such entries should be viewed only as temporary placeholders pending the completion of the party’s lawful nomination process.
“The names being uploaded at this stage are placement objects and will be substituted in accordance with the law at the appropriate time,” he asserted.
Ogbonnia reaffirmed his longstanding position on electoral reform.
He said he would never accept a candidacy secured through imposition, even if such an outcome worked in his favour.
He aligned his position with the principles of electoral integrity championed by Peter Obi, whom he described as a leader committed to democratic values.
“I have built my public life around the defence of free, fair and transparent elections.
“I cannot support any process that undermines those principles,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the party’s nomination process, Ogbonnia expressed confidence that he would eventually emerge as the NDC’s official candidate for the Enugu West Senatorial District.
He said that he will appear on the ballot for the 2027 general election, subject to the successful conclusion of the party’s internal processes.
He also disclosed that efforts were underway within the party to resolve all outstanding electoral matters amicably and in accordance with the law.
Closing his message to supporters, Ogbonnia thanked them for their continued loyalty and patience.
He urged them to remain steadfast and prayerful.
“Your resilience has been remarkable,” he said. “Please continue to pray. Those prayers are yielding results.”
The developments come amid heightened political activity across Nigeria as parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, nomination processes and internal party procedures are expected to remain closely scrutinised by party members, election observers and the courts.
