Enugu West NDC primary dispute: Ogbonnia urges Dickson to intervene ahead of INEC deadline

A senatorial aspirant in Enugu West has dragged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into a fresh crisis, demanding that the party's national leader step in before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline.

Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, one of the aspirants for the Enugu West Senatorial District seat, wrote an open letter on June 10, 2026, to Senator Seriake Dickson, the NDC National Leader. He said the party hasn't conducted a valid primary election or a legally recognised consensus process for the district.

According to Ogbonnia, a primary election was scheduled and his supporters showed up in large numbers. But the party never formally concluded the process. He said he's been left in the dark, and no candidate has been officially chosen.

"Neither a valid primary election nor a legally recognised consensus process has been concluded for the Enugu West Senatorial District," Ogbonnia wrote in the letter.

He described himself as a leading aspirant based on his social, economic, political and intellectual credentials. He said his standing has been acknowledged by key party figures, including State Leader Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and Senatorial Zonal Leader Prof. Udenta Udenta.

Ogbonnia cited Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, which says candidates must emerge either through properly conducted party primaries or through a consensus arrangement backed by signed agreements from all aspirants involved.

With the INEC deadline for submission of candidates fast approaching, he warned that any attempt to submit a name without due process — even his own — could invalidate the party's nomination for the election. That would leave the NDC without a candidate in the race.

Ogbonnia also disclosed that he'd previously submitted multiple petitions to the party but received no responses. He expressed concern that failure to resolve the matter could lead to legal disputes and possible disqualification of the party's candidate.

He urged Senator Dickson to step in urgently to ensure the party follows due process and avoids an electoral crisis ahead of the deadline.

The NDC is a relatively new political party in Nigeria, formed by former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition figures. Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, is one of its founding leaders. The party is hoping to make inroads in the 2027 general elections.

Enugu West Senatorial District has been a stronghold of the PDP for years. The NDC's internal crisis could hand the seat to the ruling party if the party fails to field a valid candidate.

Ogbonnia's letter has put the party leadership in a tight spot. With the INEC deadline looming, Dickson must decide quickly: either intervene to resolve the dispute or risk the party's chances in the district.