Fresh controversy has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Imo State as all aspirants who contested for the party’s Imo East Senatorial District ticket have taken legal action against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging the unlawful imposition of a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, follows a strategic meeting of Imo State NDC aspirants held on June 17, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where stakeholders reportedly reviewed concerns surrounding the party’s primary election process.
The plaintiffs are Chief Barr. Charles Chinedum Onyeagbako, Chief Barr. Anetochukwu Nworgu (PhD), Hon. Tony Nwulu, Hon. Tony Okpe, and Hon. Okadigbo Chijioke Odaghara (PhD). All five aspirants are challenging the process that produced the party’s purported candidate for the Imo East Senatorial District.
According to court documents, the aspirants argue that the NDC neither conducted a valid primary election nor obtained the written consent of all contestants before allegedly adopting a consensus candidate. They contend that the actions violate key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing party primaries and candidate nominations.
The plaintiffs told the court that each aspirant purchased nomination and expression of interest forms at a cost of ₦3 million and successfully completed the party’s screening process ahead of primaries initially scheduled for May 28, 2026.
However, they alleged that the party abruptly postponed the exercise on the eve of the election, only for senior officials to later reverse the decision and direct that the primaries proceed as originally planned. Despite mobilising supporters and committing significant resources, the aspirants claimed no official primary election was eventually conducted on either May 28 or May 29.
The suit further alleges that certain individuals later organised unofficial meetings and announced results outside the recognised electoral framework, while some aspirants reportedly engaged delegates in hotels and private residences. The plaintiffs insist that no lawful primary election took place and that no valid consensus arrangement was reached among all contestants.
They also disclosed that a petition was submitted to the party’s national leadership on June 7, warning against any attempt to impose a candidate. According to the aspirants, the petition was acknowledged but never addressed.
Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the NDC failed to conduct valid primaries or secure the required consent for a consensus candidate. They are also seeking the nullification of any nomination arising from the disputed process and an order preventing INEC from recognising or publishing any candidate submitted by the party for the Imo East Senatorial District.
In addition, the aspirants are demanding ₦500 million in general damages for what they described as losses, frustration, inconvenience, and breaches of their rights, as well as a 10 per cent post-judgment interest until full payment is made.
Political analysts say the case could become a major test of internal party democracy and the interpretation of electoral laws governing candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the NDC nor INEC had issued an official response to the allegations before the court.
