… Aspirant alleges widespread irregularities, violence, demands exercise be declared inconclusive
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Aspirant for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora), has petitioned the party’s Election Appeal Panel, insisting that no valid primary election took place in the constituency on May 29, 2026.
In a strongly worded petition, Dr. Ikokwu urged the panel not to declare any candidate winner of the disputed exercise, alleging that confusion, violence, intimidation, and gross organizational failures prevented party members from participating in a free and credible election.
She specifically called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of rival candidates, their supporters, and party officials responsible for organizing the primary.
“I respectfully call on the Election Appeal Panel to immediately investigate the roles played by unruly candidates, their agents, and supporters in the disruption of the process,” Dr. Ikokwu stated.
She further urged the party to sanction any individual found culpable of sponsoring violence, intimidation, or actions capable of undermining the party’s democratic process.
The aspirant also questioned the role of election officials, alleging that their failure to properly coordinate and manage the exercise contributed significantly to the confusion and eventual collapse of the process.
“I demand that the failed exercise be declared inconclusive. Mr. Eric Anyamene should not be declared winner. Hon. Uche Okonkwo should also not be declared winner,” she said.
According to Dr. Ikokwu, any attempt by the party to declare either candidate winner would amount to endorsing a process allegedly marred by irregularities and criminal conduct.
“No direct primary election took place in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency to enable members choose their representative through popular votes,” she maintained.
Providing details of the events leading to the collapse of the exercise, Dr. Ikokwu alleged that from the outset there was widespread confusion regarding the designated venue for voting in Idemili South.
She described the conflicting information given to party members, delegates, and supporters as a deliberate act of sabotage that left many uncertain about where the election was scheduled to hold.
According to the petition, even after the venue was eventually identified, the absence of proper accreditation, coordination, and supervision prevented the exercise from commencing in an orderly manner.
The situation reportedly worsened when rival supporters and suspected political thugs allegedly loyal to competing candidates engaged in violent confrontations, creating panic and forcing many party members to flee the venue.
Dr. Ikokwu further alleged that supporters of Mr. Eric Anyamene circulated videos showing individuals chanting slogans in his favour despite the fact that, according to her, no actual voting process was taking place at the time.
She claimed that clashes between rival groups created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, making it impossible to conduct a free, fair, and credible primary election.
Supporters Unable to Vote
Dr. Ikokwu stated that many of her supporters arrived at the venue as early as 10:00 a.m. but were unable to cast their votes before the exercise reportedly collapsed around 1:30 p.m.
She alleged that a similar situation occurred in Idemili North, where hired thugs allegedly disrupted proceedings and prevented a peaceful voting process.
The aspirant also claimed that her campaign materials were vandalized during the disturbances.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC Election Appeal Panel had not issued an official response to the allegations.
