A chieftain of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, has said no primary election was held for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency on May 29.
Ikokwu, who is seeking to contest the 2027 election for the constituency on the platform of the NDC, petitioned the party’s Election Appeal Panel, urging it not to declare any winner from the exercise.
Instead, she called on the panel to investigate the roles played by opposing candidates, their supporters and party officials in the disruption of the process.
“I respectfully call on the Election Panel to immediately investigate the roles played by unruly candidates, their agents, and supporters in the disruption of the process. I further urge the panel to take disciplinary action against any individual found culpable in sponsoring violence, intimidation, or acts capable of undermining the party’s democratic process,” she said.
Ikokwu also demanded an investigation into the conduct of officials responsible for organising and coordinating the election, arguing that their failure contributed significantly to the confusion and eventual collapse of the exercise.
She insisted that the exercise should be declared inconclusive and warned against announcing either Mr. Eric Anyamene or Hon. Uche Okonkwo as the winner.
“I demand that the failed exercise be declared inconclusive. Mr. Eric Anyamene should not be declared winner. Hon. Uche Okonkwo should also not be declared winner.
“It will be a fraudulent choice if the NDC names either Mr. Anyamene or Hon. Okonkwo as winner for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency because the party would have chosen them through brazen criminal acts contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. No direct primary election took place in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency to enable members to choose their representative by popular votes,” she stated.
Providing background to her petition, Ikokwu alleged that there was widespread confusion over the designated venue for the Idemili South primary, which she described as a deliberate act of sabotage.
She claimed that party members, delegates and supporters received conflicting information about the venue, while the absence of proper coordination, accreditation and supervision prevented the exercise from taking place.
According to her, the situation worsened when rival supporters and suspected thugs allegedly loyal to competing aspirants engaged in violent activities that created panic and forced party members to flee.
“The situation deteriorated when rival supporters and suspected thugs loyal to both Hon. Okonkwo and Mr. Anyamene engaged in violent activities, creating panic, and forcing many party members to flee for their safety,” she said.
Ikokwu further alleged that her supporters, who had gathered from as early as 10:00 a.m., were unable to vote before the exercise collapsed at about 1:30 p.m.
She also claimed that similar disruptions occurred in Idemili North, where political thugs allegedly caused mayhem and destroyed her campaign materials.
Friday Olokor
About The Author
