An Enugu-based lawyer, Aroh Dominic, has cautioned the national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) against announcing candidates for elective positions in the state, alleging serious irregularities in the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
The warning comes amid mounting controversy surrounding the conduct and outcome of the NDC primaries held last week, as the party’s national secretariat prepares to release the final list of candidates for the 2027 elections.
In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party on behalf of an NDC member, Idoko Chidozie, Aroh alleged that no valid primary elections were conducted in Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South Local Government Areas for positions including the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship.
According to the lawyer, party members, aspirants and supporters assembled at designated venues in the affected local government areas in anticipation of the exercise, but party officials failed to appear and conduct the primaries.
He argued that the absence of authorised party officials rendered any subsequent exercise invalid and incapable of producing legitimate candidates.
Aroh further alleged that some aspirants later organised separate exercises, which officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies reportedly indicated would not be recognised.
The lawyer maintained that any attempt by the party to announce candidates for the affected positions despite the alleged failure to conduct lawful primaries would be challenged in court.
He also accused the party of planning to submit candidates to electoral authorities without conducting proper primary elections in the two local government areas.
The letter demanded a response from the party within 24 hours and warned that legal proceedings would be initiated if the concerns raised were not addressed.
Among the reliefs sought are the refund of nomination and other fees allegedly paid by aspirants, disciplinary measures against those responsible for the alleged irregularities, and an order restraining any beneficiary of the disputed process from being recognised as a candidate of the party.
Meanwhile, the national leadership of the NDC has yet to officially authenticate any list of successful candidates from Enugu State.
The development follows the emergence of competing factions within the party in the state. While a faction led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih had earlier released a list of winners from the primaries, another faction is headed by Ibuchukwu Obetta. The party’s national leadership has not formally endorsed either list.