Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, a House of Representatives aspirant for the OHANIVO Federal Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised serious concerns over alleged attempts to suppress and potentially alter the outcome of the party’s primary election held on 29 May 2026. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwankwo maintained that despite irregularities and disruptions that characterised parts of the exercise, delegates across the constituency participated in the election and votes were duly cast in the three local government areas comprising the constituency: Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo.
Concerns Over Transparency
Nwankwo emphasised his unwavering commitment to the NDC, stating that he was speaking out in defence of the party’s stated commitment to fairness, equity, transparency and internal democracy. “I am a proud, committed and loyal member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. A party that seeks justice for the people must first demonstrate justice within its own processes,” he said. According to him, the primary election was conducted, delegates exercised their voting rights and results were generated. However, he expressed concern that no official public declaration of the outcome was made at the end of the exercise. “The failure to announce the results publicly raises serious concerns regarding transparency, accountability and due process. In every credible democratic exercise, results must be openly declared in the presence of aspirants, agents, delegates and observers,” he stated.
Allegations of Result Tampering
Nwankwo further claimed to have received credible information suggesting that efforts might be underway to alter, falsify or substitute the genuine results of the primary election. He warned that any result differing from what was recorded during voting across the constituency would be challenged through all lawful avenues available within the party and under Nigerian law. “I am in possession of video evidence and other relevant materials documenting the conduct of the primary election and the voting process across the constituency. These records have been preserved,” he said.
Appeal to Party Leadership
The aspirant appealed to the NDC’s Election Appeals Committee, National Working Committee and other party leaders to intervene by ensuring transparent collation of the results and the public announcement of what he described as the authentic outcome of the exercise. He also urged the party leadership to suspend the submission of any candidate’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the results had been properly collated and declared.
Broader Political Considerations
Beyond the immediate controversy, Nwankwo drew attention to a broader political consideration concerning representation within the constituency. He argued that allocating both the Senate ticket and the House of Representatives ticket to candidates from the same ward and village within Onicha Community could generate concerns among stakeholders across the constituency and undermine perceptions of fairness. “Given the diversity of our constituency, equity, inclusiveness and balanced representation remain essential to party unity and electoral success. Concentrating both tickets within a single ward may create perceptions of exclusion among other communities and could potentially affect the broad-based support required to secure victory at the general election,” he said.
Commitment to Lawful Remedies
Despite the dispute, Nwankwo reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC and insisted that his pursuit of justice would remain within the confines of the law and the party’s internal mechanisms. “I remain committed to the NDC and to the democratic ideals that bind us together. However, if the genuine outcome of this primary election is suppressed, altered or substituted, I will pursue every lawful remedy available to protect the mandate freely expressed by delegates,” he said.
Appeal to Constituents
Addressing residents of OHANIVO Federal Constituency, Nwankwo thanked supporters for their participation in the process and urged them to remain calm and peaceful. “You came out. You voted. You expressed your will through the ballot. I remain committed to ensuring that your voices are heard, your votes are respected and your mandate is protected through every legitimate and lawful means available. I urge everyone to remain calm, peaceful, united and confident that truth, justice and fairness will ultimately prevail,” he said. Nwankwo expressed confidence that the leadership of the NDC would uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, justice and equity in resolving the matter.
