Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Owerri Federal Constituency, has accused the party leadership of engaging in what he described as anti-democratic practices, ticket racketeering, and constitutional violations in the conduct of its primaries.
Speaking to Symfoni after submitting a pre-action notice to the party leadership, Okereke alleged that the NDC has abandoned its internal democratic principles and is instead leveraging political popularity to engage in transactional politics.
He claimed that the party has sidelined aspirants who emerged from what he described as the “Obi-aligned reform structure,” insisting that loyalty to reform ideology and grassroots credibility were being ignored in favour of financial influence.
According to him, “the party is exhibiting several anti-democratic practices,” adding that it was “regrettable that a newly formed political party is now leveraging on a man’s personality, on Peter Obi’s personality, to engage in transactional politics and ticket racketeering.”
He further alleged that nomination processes within the party have been reduced to financial considerations, claiming that aspirants are being asked to make substantial monetary contributions to secure party tickets.
Okere said: “Those of us who have been consistent on the streets advocating for good governance, electronic transmission of results, and electoral reforms are now being sidelined. They are considering those who pay ₦10 million as candidates. That is arrant nonsense.”
The aspirant also faulted the party for allegedly failing to conduct proper primaries in Owerri Federal Constituency, insisting that no legitimate election had taken place to determine candidates.
“In my federal constituency, no election has been held. They cannot submit anybody’s name from this constituency because no primary election has been conducted,” he said.
He disclosed that he had already served the party a pre-action notice, warning that legal proceedings would follow if the leadership failed to adhere to its constitution, guidelines, and provisions of the Electoral Act.
Okere also alleged that attempts to formally submit petitions at the party secretariat were frustrated, claiming that instructions had been given not to receive complaints or correspondence.
“The national chairman has instructed that no letters or petitions should be received again. So we are serving them through the media,” he stated.
Despite the confrontation, the aspirant insisted he would not abandon the party but would instead pursue reform from within.
“We are not running away. We will stay in this party and ensure that the message of a new Nigeria begins from here,” he said, referencing the reform agenda associated with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He stressed that the party must align its internal processes with democratic principles if it intends to remain credible.
Okere warned that the matter would be pursued legally if necessary, insisting that no individual or group has the right to manipulate internal party processes outside constitutional and electoral provisions.
“We will contest it within the ambit of the law. If they don’t do the right thing, we will help them do the right thing in court,” he added.
