Ikokwu rejects NDC Primary outcome in Idemili North/South Federal Constituency

…petitions NDC Election Appeal Panel

An aspirant for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, popularly known as Ugonecheora, has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election, insisting that no valid exercise took place on May 29.

Ikokwu called on the NDC Election Appeal Panel not to declare any winner from the exercise, alleging that the process was marred by confusion, violence and poor organization.

In a statement, the aspirant urged the panel to investigate the roles played by rival candidates, their supporters and party officials in the events that led to the collapse of the primary.

“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,” Ikokwu said.

“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 also called for an investigation into party officials responsible for organizing the election, accusing them of failing to properly coordinate the exercise.

According to her, the alleged negligence contributed significantly to the confusion and eventual breakdown of the process.

Ikokwu maintained that the primary should be declared inconclusive and warned against declaring either of the leading contenders, 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,” she said.

“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 no direct primary election took place to enable members choose their representative by popular votes.”

Providing details of her objections, Ikokwu alleged that party members, delegates and supporters received conflicting information about the designated venue for the Idemili South primary, creating uncertainty and confusion.

She further claimed that when the venue was eventually identified, inadequate coordination, accreditation and supervision prevented the election from proceeding as planned.

The aspirant also accused supporters of rival candidates of engaging in violent activities that disrupted the process.

According to her, clashes involving supporters and suspected thugs created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, forcing many party members to leave the venue.

Ikokwu specifically alleged that supporters of Anyamene recorded videos of individuals while chanting slogans in his support despite the absence of any voting process.

She claimed that the violence and intimidation made it impossible to conduct a free, fair and credible election in Idemili South.

The aspirant said her supporters, who reportedly arrived at the venue as early as 10 a.m., were unable to vote before the exercise collapsed around 1:30 p.m.

She also alleged that similar incidents occurred in Idemili North, where hired thugs allegedly disrupted the process and destroyed campaign materials belonging to her team.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Anyamene nor Okonkwo had publicly responded to the allegations. The NDC Election Appeal Panel was also yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

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