A group known as the Concerned Youths of Nsukka Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest at the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) headquarters, urging the party's leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections. The demonstrators carried placards with various inscriptions, emphasizing that their actions aimed to protect the interests of both the party and the people of Nsukka Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the group's convener, Ejiribeofor Omeke, described the protesters as committed NDC supporters determined to see the party succeed in future elections. He noted that the political landscape in Nsukka had shifted significantly, with a large portion of the support base that previously backed the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, now aligning with the NDC.
The group recalled that recent primaries held at St. Theresa Secondary School, Nsukka, did not produce what they considered a credible and transparent process. Omeke stated: "Our protest is in the interest of the NDC in Nsukka Local Government. We are passionate supporters of the party in Nsukka. Based on previous experiences, particularly during the Labour Party era, I can confidently say that about 80 per cent of the people in Nsukka were members of the Labour Party and supporters of Peter Obi. That same support base has largely transferred to the NDC as a new political platform."
The youth leader expressed concern over what he described as the party's failure to conduct proper primaries in Nsukka during the recent exercise. He argued that the absence of a transparent process created uncertainty among party supporters and stakeholders in the area. He emphasized that the people of Nsukka only wanted to see credible, competent, and widely accepted candidates emerge to represent the party.
He added: "During the recent party primaries, the NDC was unable to conduct its primaries in Nsukka. As a result, we are concerned because time is no longer on our side, and we need the party to be open and transparent about who will represent it in the forthcoming elections. We are calling on the NDC leadership to be straightforward and transparent in selecting candidates without imposing anyone on the people. Once candidates are imposed, it often leads to failure. Such an outcome would not only disappoint the people of Nsukka but also damage the fortunes of the NDC as a political party. What the people of Nsukka are asking for is simple: give us the right candidates. Do not present unpopular candidates. Give us candidates who are grounded, widely accepted, and capable of fighting for the interests of Nsukka. We want candidates who enjoy public support and do not appear to have been imposed on the people. If this is done, the NDC stands a strong chance of success in the elections."
The protesters stressed that they were not campaigning for any particular aspirant but were advocating a transparent process that would produce candidates with proven grassroots support and political capacity. Omeke noted that the party would face formidable opposition from incumbent officeholders and therefore needed candidates capable of mobilizing voters and winning elections.
"The challenge is that we will be contesting against individuals who are already occupying political positions. Therefore, we need candidates who have strong public acceptance and grassroots support. That is the direction we believe the party should take. With competent and widely accepted candidates, the NDC is well-positioned to perform strongly, not only in Nsukka but across Enugu State and the entire country," he added.
In an open letter addressed to the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, presidential candidate Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the party's leadership in Enugu State, the youths urged the party to prioritize competence, acceptability, and electability in its choice of candidates. According to the letter, the political environment in Nsukka remains sensitive following the defection of some politicians elected on the Labour Party platform after receiving the mandate of the people.
The youths argued that while Peter Obi remains a symbol of hope and good governance for many Nigerians, the party must complement his popularity with candidates who possess strong local support and political credibility. "Our people are still reflecting on the painful disappointment suffered when candidates elected under the Labour Party later abandoned the mandate of the people and defected to the ruling party. The youths of Nsukka are determined not to allow such a situation to repeat itself. We need candidates who can not only win elections for themselves but also mobilize support that will contribute significantly to the victory of Mr. Peter Obi and our party at all levels," the letter said.
The group maintained that it was not opposed to the party or any individual aspirant but insisted that only candidates with genuine grassroots support, credibility, and broad public acceptance should fly the party's flag. The group warned that supporters were prepared to pursue all lawful means to challenge any process perceived as unjust or lacking transparency.
