Aspirant for the Ohanivo Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, has alleged attempts to suppress and manipulate the outcome of the party’s House of Representatives primary election conducted on May 29, 2026.
Nwankwo, in a statement called on the leadership of the NDC to ensure transparency in the collation and announcement of the results, warning against any move to alter the outcome of the exercise.
The aspirant maintained that the primary election was conducted across the three local government areas that make up the constituency—Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo—and that delegates freely exercised their voting rights.
“Despite the confusion and disruptions that characterised parts of the process on May 29, the primary election took place across Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo local government areas. Voting was conducted, delegates exercised their democratic rights and the outcome of that exercise exists and is known to those who participated,” he said.
Nwankwo expressed concern that although voting was completed and results generated, the outcome was not officially announced at the end of the exercise.
“While voting was conducted and results were generated, no official public announcement of the results was made at the conclusion of the exercise. This failure raises serious concerns regarding transparency, accountability and due process,” he stated.
The aspirant further alleged that there were indications that efforts might be underway to alter the results of the primary election.
“I have received credible information suggesting that efforts may be underway to alter, falsify or substitute the genuine results of the primary election and present figures that do not reflect the votes cast on May 29,” he alleged.
According to him, any result that differs from the votes recorded during the primary would be challenged through lawful channels within the party and under Nigerian law.
“Any result that differs from what was actually recorded across Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo will be challenged through all available lawful and party mechanisms. The evidence remains intact and the facts are verifiable,” Nwankwo said.
He urged the NDC National Working Committee and the party’s Election Appeals Committee to ensure transparent collation of results, public declaration of the authentic outcome and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines.
“We respectfully call on the party leadership to ensure transparent collation of all primary election results, public announcement of the authentic outcome and strict adherence to due process and the party’s constitution,” he added.
Nwankwo also raised concerns over what he described as the concentration of key party tickets within the same ward in Onicha Local Government Area, arguing that such an arrangement could undermine inclusiveness and equitable representation within the constituency.
“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,” he stated.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the NDC, the aspirant insisted that internal democracy and fairness must be upheld if the party is to retain the confidence of its members.
“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 under Nigerian law and within the party framework,” he said.
Nwankwo urged his supporters and residents of the constituency to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the issues raised are addressed by the party leadership.
“I urge everyone to remain calm, peaceful and united. The people of OHANIVO have spoken through the democratic process, and I am confident that truth, justice and fairness will ultimately prevail,” he said.
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