Fresh Crisis Looms in Abia NDC as Primary Election Committee Chair Bypasses Party Leadership, Submits Candidates’ List to INEC

Fresh Crisis Looms in Abia NDC as Primary Election Committee Chair Bypasses Party Leadership, Submits Candidates’ List to INEC

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A fresh crisis may be brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the controversial submission of a list of candidates from the party’s governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primaries in Abia State directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the chairman of the primary election committee, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji.

The development has stirred concerns among party stakeholders and legal observers, who argue that the action could trigger internal disputes and raise questions about compliance with established procedures governing the nomination and submission of candidates for elections.

Documents obtained by journalists show that Ikoawaji, who chaired the NDC Primary Election Committee for Abia State, wrote directly to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission through the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Abia State on May 30, 2026, forwarding what he described as the outcome of the party’s primary elections conducted a day earlier.