Ex-lawmaker claims hijack of Imo NDC structure

Former federal lawmaker, Uche Nwole (m) addressing journalist. Photo: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis

Fresh crisis has erupted in the Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a former member of the National Assembly, Uche Nwole, accused powerful interests within the party of hijacking its structure and manipulating the outcome of its primary elections. Nwole raised the allegations on Tuesday in a petition submitted to the party’s national leadership in Abuja, warning that the development could undermine the NDC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former lawmaker, who addressed journalists in Abuja, said he joined the NDC because of its vision, manifesto and leadership. He also expressed confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Obi, describing him as a symbol of national renewal. At the centre of his complaint is the conduct of the party’s primary elections in Imo State. According to him, officials deployed from the party headquarters to supervise the exercise were allegedly prevented from carrying out their duties. He said, “There was never any primary election supervised by the officers sent by the party to exercise such a function. “We cannot allow democracy to be hijacked by any individual. Political parties must remain institutions governed by rules and collective decisions, not personal interests. “We are in pain and request justice for the sake of our great party in the 2027 elections. Otherwise, it will be a disaster for the party in the State.” Nwole further alleged that results generated from the disputed process were later set aside by the national leadership in favour of what he described as “parallel results.” He said affected aspirants had formally petitioned the party’s leadership, seeking clarification on the legitimacy of the primary election results and the status of the party structure in the state. “We urge the panel to disregard the purported and or forged results of the primaries paraded by the electoral Panel as there was never a primary election by them. “The party leaders are advised to evaluate the aspirants, consider financial capacity, experiences, and personal capacity to face the Imo APC government headed by the chairman of the Governor’s Forum,” he stated. Related News Atiku possesses knowledge to reposition the country – Senator APC accuses Abia of plotting party destabilisation APP candidate promises transparency if elected Abia governor The allegations come amid growing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the NDC’s nationwide primaries, with several contestants across the