By Hassan Hussein
A group known as Ebonyi Sons and Daughters in Politics has appealed to the leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) to intervene in what it described as the alleged manipulation of the party’s Ebonyi Central Senatorial ticket.
Leader of the group, Mrs. Joy Ewa, made the appeal during a media briefing at the NDC National Secretariat in Abuja on behalf of concerned stakeholders and party faithful from Ebonyi State.
Mrs. Ewa alleged that Architect Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, popularly known as C. Sagas, who emerged as the winner of the party’s senatorial contest, had his mandate reassigned to Professor Bernard Odoh.
According to her, “Chief C. Sagas is not seeking what does not belong to him; he is only asking for the mandate he legitimately earned through the democratic process.”
“Chief C. Sagas is not seeking what does not belong to him; he is only asking for the mandate he legitimately earned through the democratic process.” — Mrs. Joy Ewa
The group called on the National Leader, National Chairman, Presidential Candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi, and other stakeholders to review the matter in the interest of justice, fairness, and party unity.
Mrs. Ewa also argued that equity and political balance favour Chief Nwali’s candidature, noting that Ikwo Local Government Area, where he hails from, has never produced a senator from Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone.
“Historically, Ezza has occupied the Senate seat for over twenty years, while Ishielu has held the position for about eight years. Ikwo has never produced a senator from the zone, and it is only fair that the opportunity be extended to the area,” she stated.
The group further expressed concern that Professor Bernard Odoh and the current representative of Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency are both from Ezza North, a situation it said raises questions about equitable representation.
It also alleged that concerns over the political activities and affiliations of some party members have created uncertainty among supporters and could affect the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.
The stakeholders urged the NDC leadership to act swiftly and restore what they described as the rightful mandate to Chief Christian Asaga Nwali.
They maintained that such a move would strengthen confidence among party members and reinforce the party’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and justice.
The group expressed optimism that a united and transparent party would be better positioned to achieve electoral success in Ebonyi State and across the country.
Welcoming the aggrieved party members, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary (NDC) and pioneer spokesman of the party, Abdulmumin Abdulsallam, assured party members that justice, fairness, and transparency will guide the handling of concerns arising from the party’s primary elections.
AbdulSallam said the leadership remains committed to listening to members’ grievances and addressing legitimate concerns in the interest of unity and justice.
He explained that although the communication received was not a formal petition but an appeal, the party’s national leadership would carefully examine all issues raised and ensure that every member is given a fair hearing.
According to him, recent rumours, allegations, and apprehension surrounding the delay in the release of the primary election results were unnecessary, stressing that the party has no hidden agenda and is not attempting to shortchange any aspirant.
He explained that the delay is due to ongoing reconciliations and verification processes aimed at ensuring accuracy and preventing errors in the final results.
The NDC chieftain stated that the party leadership is working diligently to announce the results as soon as possible, while ensuring that all concerns are properly addressed to avoid post-primary disputes.
He described the gathering of party supporters at the secretariat as a normal feature of democracy, saying members have the right to express their views, demand accountability, and seek clarification on issues affecting the party.
AbdulSallam emphasized that while democracy produces winners and losers, those who may not emerge victorious in the current exercise should remain hopeful of future opportunities within the party.
He appealed to all aspirants and their supporters to remain calm, patient, and avoid spreading rumours capable of creating tension within the party.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to justice, equity, transparency, and ideological politics, describing the party’s national leadership as disciplined and focused on strengthening the party’s democratic processes.
He added that the party’s national leader remains committed to building a credible opposition platform and would not compromise the principles upon which the NDC was founded.
AbdulSallam expressed confidence that the current challenges would soon be resolved, assuring party members that the leadership remains firmly in control of the situation and is working towards a peaceful and united post-primary atmosphere.
