June 15, 2026
ENUGU — A major political crisis has erupted within the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after dozens of aggrieved aspirants accused party leaders of extortion, manipulation, and imposing candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dissatisfied aspirants, drawn from the three senatorial zones of the state, rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election process, insisting that no legitimate primary election was conducted in accordance with party guidelines and the Electoral Act 2026.
Speaking through a communique issued after a meeting of the Enugu Forum of Aspirants on Monday, the group alleged that the nomination process was hijacked by a small group of influential party leaders who sidelined stakeholders, grassroots members, and aspirants from critical decision-making.
The aspirants specifically accused former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo and other party leaders of undermining internal democracy, manipulating the selection process, and promoting preferred candidates.
In a dramatic move, the forum passed a vote of no confidence on the affected leaders, accusing them of abuse of trust, lack of transparency, partiality, and actions capable of damaging the party’s future in Enugu State.
One of the most serious allegations raised by the aspirants was the claim that more than ₦1 billion was collectively extracted from hopeful candidates during the nomination process.
According to the forum, aspirants spent huge sums pursuing party tickets only to discover that the process was allegedly manipulated in favour of selected individuals.
“The entire nomination process lacked transparency and accountability and was riddled with irregularities that contradict the principles upon which the party was founded,” the communique stated.
The aggrieved members further warned that the ongoing crisis has triggered widespread dissatisfaction within the party, leading many supporters and members to defect to other political parties.
They called on the national leadership of the NDC to immediately intervene by setting up an independent committee to investigate the allegations and supervise party activities in Enugu State.
The aspirants also demanded that any list of candidates allegedly produced through the disputed process should be rejected pending a fresh and credible exercise.
Despite their grievances, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to the party and pledged continued support for democratic principles, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The communique was signed by more than 30 aspirants, including Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, Chief VinMartin Obiora Ilo, Hon. Joseph Udedi, and Engr. Eze Izuchukwu Alex.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
