By Sharon Akuboh
Aspirant for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora), has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election, insisting that no valid election took place on May 29, 2026.
In a petition to the NDC Election Appeal Panel, Dr. Ikokwu urged the party not to declare any winner for the constituency, arguing that the exercise was marred by confusion, violence, and organizational failures that prevented members from freely casting their votes.
She called for a comprehensive investigation into the actions of rival candidates, their supporters, and party officials responsible for coordinating the primary, alleging that their conduct contributed to the collapse of the process.
According to the aspirant, confusion over the designated venue for the election in Idemili South created uncertainty among party members, delegates, and supporters. She alleged that conflicting information regarding the location of the exercise left many participants stranded and unable to take part in the process.
Dr. Ikokwu further claimed that the absence of proper accreditation, supervision, and coordination worsened the situation, making it impossible for a credible election to be conducted. She said the exercise eventually descended into disorder before voting could take place.
The aspirant also alleged that supporters of rival candidates engaged in violent activities that created panic and insecurity at the venue. According to her, the clashes and intimidation forced many party members to flee for safety, effectively disrupting the primary.
She maintained that many of her supporters, who had arrived as early as 10 a.m. to participate in the exercise, were unable to vote before the process collapsed. Similar incidents, she claimed, were recorded in Idemili North, where supporters of competing aspirants allegedly caused disturbances.
Dr. Ikokwu therefore urged the NDC leadership and Election Appeal Panel to declare the exercise inconclusive, refrain from announcing any winner, and investigate all allegations surrounding the failed primary to preserve the integrity of the party’s democratic process.