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Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a list of purported candidates for elections in Imo, Abia and Anambra states currently circulating on social media, describing it as fake and unauthorised.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party urged members and the general public to disregard the lists. "The party has not released any official list of candidates for any state. Any list circulating on social media or other unofficial platforms should be treated as fake and misleading," the statement read.
The disclaimer comes amid heightened political activity across the South-East as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. The NDC, which has positioned itself as a major opposition force with Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, is under pressure to present a united front ahead of the polls.
However, the party's efforts to project unity have been undermined by a brewing crisis in Enugu State, where aggrieved aspirants from Enugu North Senatorial District have rejected the party's recently conducted primary election, alleging widespread fraud and the imposition of candidates by party leaders.
According to the aggrieved aspirants, the primary was manipulated to favour a preferred candidate, with delegates allegedly coerced and results falsified. We cannot accept this charade. The process was compromised from the beginning, one of the aspirants told journalists in Enugu.
The aspirants have called on the party's national leadership to annul the primary and conduct a fresh exercise. They have also threatened to approach the courts if their demands are not met.
The NDC has denied the allegations, insisting that the primary was conducted in line with the party's constitution and electoral guidelines. "The party remains committed to internal democracy. All primaries were conducted fairly and transparently. We urge aggrieved members to follow the party's internal dispute resolution mechanisms," Enekweizu said.
The Enugu North Senatorial District primary is particularly significant as the seat is a key battleground for the NDC in the South-East, where the party hopes to make substantial gains in the 2027 elections. A prolonged crisis could weaken the party's chances and provide an opening for rival parties such as the PDP and APC.
The development has also raised questions about the NDC's ability to manage internal dissent and project the image of a cohesive, well-organised opposition. Analysts have warned that unresolved disputes could undermine the party's credibility and its ability to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
Peter Obi, the NDC's presidential candidate, has not publicly commented on the Enugu primary crisis. However, sources within the party have indicated that he is monitoring the situation closely and may intervene to prevent further escalation.
As the party prepares for the 2027 elections, the outcome of the Enugu dispute could set the tone for the NDC's broader cohesion and its ability to present a credible alternative to voters.