By Dennis Agbo

No fewer than 35 aspirants contesting various positions under the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Enugu State have rejected the party’s recently conducted primary process and passed a vote of no confidence on the party’s state leadership.

The aspirants, including Dr. SKC Ogbonnia and Mr. Vin Martins Ilo, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries and the overall internal processes leading to the emergence of candidates for the 2027 elections.

In a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Enugu on Monday, the group said no valid primary election was conducted in the state, alleging that neither direct primaries nor a consensus arrangement was properly implemented in line with party guidelines.

They argued that the process did not reflect the provisions of the party’s rules for the 2027 primaries and raised concerns about compliance with relevant electoral regulations.

The aspirants further alleged that the process was dominated by a small group of individuals who allegedly controlled party structures, thereby excluding many stakeholders, aspirants, and grassroots members from meaningful participation.

They also stated that there was no adequate engagement between the state leadership and aspirants to pursue a consensus arrangement as required by party procedures.

The forum subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on several state party figures, including Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Mr. John Nwokeabia, Major General Fidelis Azinta (rtd), and Chief Mathias Omeh, citing concerns over leadership style and management of the nomination process.

According to the aspirants, the process was characterised by a lack of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, which they said undermined internal party cohesion.

They also raised concerns about alleged financial demands placed on aspirants during the nomination process, describing the situation as inconsistent with the party’s stated principles.

The group further warned that dissatisfaction among members could weaken the party’s structure if not properly addressed, noting that some members were reportedly reconsidering their political alignments due to unresolved grievances.

The aspirants called on the national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to reject any list of candidates submitted by the current state leadership, arguing that it did not reflect a credible or inclusive process.

They also urged the national leadership to constitute an independent committee to oversee party activities in Enugu State and ensure adherence to internal guidelines.

In addition, they requested an urgent meeting between party authorities and representatives of aggrieved aspirants from across the state’s senatorial districts to address concerns affecting party unity.

Despite their grievances, the aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to the national leadership of the party and expressed commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and efforts aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.