By Fatima Saka
An aspirant for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora), has declared that no valid primary election took place in the constituency on May 29, petitioning the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Election Appeal Panel to nullify the exercise and withhold any declaration of a winner.
In a strongly worded petition, Ikokwu alleged that the process was marred by confusion, violence, and gross mismanagement, rendering it impossible for party members to freely elect their candidate.
“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,” she said. “Any individual found culpable in sponsoring violence, intimidation, or acts capable of undermining the party’s democratic process must face disciplinary action.”
She further demanded a probe into party officials responsible for organizing the primary, accusing them of negligence and failure to manage the exercise effectively.
According to Ikokwu, the exercise should be declared inconclusive, insisting that neither Mr. Eric Anyamene nor Hon. Uche Okonkwo should be recognised as winners.
“It will be a fraudulent choice if the NDC names either Mr. Anyamene or Hon. Okonkwo as winner,” she stated. “No direct primary election took place to enable members to choose their representative through popular votes.”
Confusion, Violence Mar Exercise
Providing details of the events, Ikokwu described a chaotic process from the onset, particularly in Idemili South, where conflicting information about the venue left party members stranded and disoriented.
When participants eventually located the supposed venue, she said, there was no proper accreditation, coordination, or supervision, further deepening the disorder.
The situation reportedly escalated into violence as rival supporters clashed, creating panic and forcing many delegates to flee for safety.
Ikokwu alleged that supporters loyal to Mr. Anyamene engaged in disruptive conduct, including recording staged videos suggesting an ongoing election while chanting victory slogans despite the absence of any formal voting process.
“The environment became unsafe and unsuitable for a free, fair, and credible election,” she said.
She added that her supporters, who had gathered as early as 10:00 a.m., were unable to cast their votes before the exercise collapsed around 1:30 p.m.
A similar situation was reported in Idemili North, where Ikokwu claimed that the process was overtaken by violence and intimidation allegedly carried out by hired thugs.
Her campaign materials were reportedly destroyed, while supporters were prevented from participating in the process.
Call for Electoral Integrity
Ikokwu urged the appeal panel to uphold justice, equity, and internal democracy by rejecting what she described as a “failed and compromised exercise.”
She warned that endorsing any outcome from the disputed primary would undermine the credibility of the party and disenfranchise its members.
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As of the time of filing this report, the NDC Election Appeal Panel had yet to issue an official response to the petition.
The controversy adds to growing concerns over internal party democracy and the conduct of primaries ahead of forthcoming elections.
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