A lawyer and senatorial aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu West District, Ogochukwu Onyema, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged extortion of N20 million. The petition accuses members of the party's Senatorial Screening Committee of using misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive pressure to obtain the funds.
In a petition dated June 3 and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Onyema urged the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the payment and recover the money. He also called for accountability for anyone found guilty of obtaining money by false pretence, fraudulent inducement, extortion, abuse of office, and conspiracy.
According to the petition signed by his lawyer, Ayomide Ahmed, Onyema had purchased the NDC's Expression of Interest Form for N3 million after the party released guidelines for congresses and nomination processes. Before the screening, a party leader provided the party's account number (1046691859) with FCMB and requested a voluntary development levy. Onyema claimed he voluntarily paid N500,000 into the account.
During the screening, committee members asked if he had paid the development levy. Onyema stated that upon confirming his payment of N500,000, he was informed that senatorial aspirants were expected to contribute N20 million to demonstrate capacity. House of Representatives aspirants were told to pay N10 million, while governorship aspirants were required to pay N50 million as a pathway to candidacy.
Although the payment was described as voluntary, Onyema alleged that the committee's conduct indicated that paying N20 million was necessary to show seriousness and eligibility for the senatorial ticket. He protested but eventually paid the additional N20 million into the party account, relying on the committee's authority.
Onyema noted that several aspirants who did not pay similar amounts were still being considered for nomination, suggesting a deliberate double standard to extort him. He claimed the leadership held meetings with favoured candidates, further supporting his suspicion.
Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo renewed allegations of corruption within the NDC, claiming aspirants were pressured to pay for party tickets. He accused NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and some South-East leaders of orchestrating the scheme, which involved financial demands during primary elections.
Okonkwo's claims came amid a legal threat from Obi's team, which issued a pre-litigation notice over earlier remarks by Okonkwo on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily, where he alleged House of Representatives aspirants were asked to pay up to N10 million. Okonkwo stated on social media that he had documentary evidence, including conversations with aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu, who allegedly accused Obi of coordinating the process.
