Withheld primary results may undermine party credibility – NDC Reps aspirant warns

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, has accused party officials of withholding the results of the party’s primary election for the Ohanivo Federal Constituency and warned against any attempt to alter the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwankwo claimed that the NDC primary election for the constituency was conducted on May 29 across the three local government areas of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo, despite reported disruptions during the process.

According to him, delegates participated in the exercise and votes were cast, but the results were never publicly announced.

“The primary election took place. I participated in the election, my delegates participated, voting was conducted, and delegates exercised their democratic rights,” he said.

Nwankwo stated that he possesses video recordings and other materials documenting the conduct of the election, adding that the evidence has been preserved.

He expressed concern over the failure to officially declare the results, describing it as a threat to transparency and due process.

“In every credible democratic exercise, results must be openly declared in the presence of aspirants, agents, delegates and observers. The withholding of results creates uncertainty and opens the door to potential manipulation of the democratic process,” he said.

The aspirant further alleged that he had received credible information suggesting that efforts were being made to alter or substitute the genuine results of the primary election.

“I wish to state clearly that any result which differs from what was actually recorded at the polling locations across Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo will be challenged through all available lawful and party mechanisms,” he said.

Nwankwo called on the NDC Election Appeals Committee, National Working Committee and other party leaders to ensure transparent collation of votes and immediate public declaration of the authentic results.

He also urged the party to suspend the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the results are properly collated and announced.

The aspirant additionally raised concerns over what he described as the concentration of both the Senate and House of Representatives tickets within the same ward and village in Onicha Community, warning that such an arrangement could generate feelings of exclusion among other parts of the constituency.

“Given the diversity of our constituency, equity, inclusiveness and balanced representation remain essential to party unity and electoral success,” he said.

Despite the dispute, Nwankwo reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC, saying he remains committed to the party and its democratic ideals.

He also appealed to his supporters and residents of Ohanivo Federal Constituency to remain calm and peaceful while pursuing the matter through lawful channels.

“The people of Ohanivo have spoken through the democratic process, and I am confident that the leadership of the NDC will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, justice and equity,” he added.

The NDC leadership had yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.