A major political storm is brewing in Imo State as multiple senatorial aspirants under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have taken their party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Federal High Court over alleged irregularities in the selection of a candidate for the Imo East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.
The dispute stems from claims that the party failed to conduct valid primaries or secure the agreement of all aspirants before allegedly moving to adopt a consensus candidate.
The aggrieved aspirants, including Chief Barr. Charles Chinedum Onyeagbako, Hon. Tony Nwulu, Hon. Tony Okpe, Chief Barr. Anetochukwu Nworgu (PhD), and Hon. Okadigbo Chijioke Odaghara (PhD), are asking the court to nullify any nomination process they describe as unlawful.
The suit also targets the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing both institutions of violating provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The crisis reportedly escalated after a strategic meeting held on June 17, 2026, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where all Imo State aspirants reviewed the disputed primary process and resolved to challenge the outcome in court.
In court filings, the plaintiffs alleged that they each purchased nomination forms worth ₦3 million and participated in screening exercises ahead of primaries initially scheduled for May 28, 2026.
However, they claim the party abruptly postponed the primaries on the eve of the exercise, later reversing the decision without clarity, leaving confusion among candidates and supporters.
The aspirants further stated that no official primary election eventually held on the scheduled dates, despite significant mobilisation and financial commitments by all contestants.
They also accused unnamed party officials of organising parallel or unofficial meetings in hotels and private venues, which they insist cannot be recognised as legitimate electoral processes.
According to the suit, no consensus agreement was reached among all aspirants as required by law, making any resulting nomination invalid under the Electoral Act.
The plaintiffs argue that Sections 84, 85, 87, and 88 of the Electoral Act, 2026, were breached, and are asking the court to declare the entire process null and void.
Their reliefs include an order stopping INEC from recognising any candidate submitted by the party for Imo East Senatorial District, as well as ₦500 million in damages for alleged losses and frustration suffered.
They also want a perpetual injunction restraining the electoral body from accepting any nomination that did not emerge from a valid primary or lawful consensus arrangement.
Political analysts say the case could become a major test for internal party democracy and candidate selection transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially if the court rules against the party.
As of press time, neither the NDC nor INEC has issued an official response to the allegations.
