Supporters Petition NDC Over Ebonyi Central Primary Outcome

Supporters of Architect Christian Asaga Nwali, popularly known as C-Sagas, have petitioned the leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) over the outcome of the party’s Ebonyi Central Senatorial District primary election, alleging that the process did not reflect the wishes of party members.

The petition was submitted on Thursday during a peaceful protest by over 1,000 supporters under the aegis of Ebonyi Sons and Daughters in Politics at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “C-Sagas Won Fair and Square,” “Respect Ebonyi Central Voters,” “Justice for Ebonyi Central,” and “C-Sagas: The People’s Choice.”

Addressing journalists after presenting the petition, the leader of the group, Mrs Joy Ewa, appealed to the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and other stakeholders to intervene in the matter.

According to her, supporters of Nwali are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary election conducted on May 29, 2026, and are seeking a review of the process in the interest of fairness and justice.

Ewa alleged that despite what she described as widespread support for Nwali during the exercise, the senatorial ticket was eventually awarded to another aspirant, Professor Bernard Odoh, a development she said has generated concern among party faithful in Ebonyi State.

She argued that beyond the question of the primary outcome, issues of equity and political balance should also be considered in determining the party’s candidate for the district.

The group noted that Ebonyi Central Senatorial District comprises Ikwo, Ezza North, Ezza South and Ishielu local government areas, adding that Ikwo, where Nwali hails from, has never produced a senator since the return to democratic rule.

According to the protesters, previous occupants of the senatorial seat have emerged from Ezza and Ishielu, making a strong case for broader representation within the district.

They urged the party leadership to carefully review the circumstances surrounding the primary and take steps that would strengthen confidence among members ahead of future elections.

“We believe that justice, fairness and inclusiveness are essential to party unity and electoral success. We are appealing to the leadership of our party to look into this matter and ensure that the right thing is done,” Ewa said.

Responding after receiving the petition, the NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, assured the protesters that the concerns raised would be forwarded to the appropriate organs of the party for consideration.

He said the party remained committed to transparency and internal democracy, noting that delays in the release of some primary election results across the country were part of efforts to ensure due process and credibility.

Abdulsalam urged party members to remain patient and avoid actions capable of creating tension, assuring them that the party would handle all grievances through established mechanisms.