The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing growing legal challenges as internal disputes over candidate selection ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to generate controversy across the country. In what appears to be a major test of the party’s internal democratic processes, two aspirants seeking elective positions under the platform of the NDC have approached the courts, accusing the party leadership of unfairly substituting candidates and abandoning the outcomes of duly conducted primary elections.
The latest development emerged in Imo State, where a senatorial aspirant for the Imo North Senatorial District, Mr. Isaac Nwachukwu, instituted legal action against both the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court sitting in Owerri. The suit seeks judicial intervention to compel the party and the electoral body to recognize him as the authentic candidate of the NDC for the 2027 senatorial election.
According to court documents, Nwachukwu alleged that despite fulfilling all conditions required by the party and emerging as the consensus candidate for the senatorial district, his name was allegedly replaced with that of another aspirant under circumstances he described as irregular and contrary to the provisions of both the party constitution and the Electoral Act.
The plaintiff claimed that he invested heavily in the process, paying a total sum of ₦25 million to the party. He stated that ₦20 million was contributed as support for the growth and development of the NDC, while an additional ₦5 million was paid for the nomination form required to contest for the Imo North Senatorial ticket.
Nwachukwu maintained that he complied with every directive issued by the party and successfully participated in the screening exercise organized by the NDC. According to him, the process culminated in his emergence as the consensus candidate after consultations with other aspirants in the race.
However, he alleged that the first indication of problems emerged when funds paid by aspirants were reportedly allocated incorrectly during the screening process. He claimed that the ₦20 million support contribution he made was credited to another aspirant, Matthew Omegara, while the ₦10 million reportedly paid by Omegara was assigned to him.
The situation, he argued, raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the party's candidate selection process.
Nwachukwu further stated that after his emergence as consensus candidate and subsequent inclusion on the shortlist of candidates, he was shocked to discover that his name had allegedly been substituted with another individual. He described the development as a violation of due process and an attempt to undermine the outcome of the party's primary arrangements.
Among the reliefs sought before the court are declarations affirming his status as the consensus candidate of the NDC for Imo North Senatorial District, restraining the party from presenting any other candidate for the election, and preventing INEC from recognizing any individual other than him pending the determination of the suit.
He is also asking the court to compel the NDC to issue him a certificate of return as the party’s legitimate candidate for the district.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Nwachukwu alleged that he was summoned to a meeting by the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, where he was informed that some influential stakeholders from Imo State believed he lacked sufficient popularity to represent the party in the senatorial contest.
The revelation has sparked fresh debate among political observers regarding the balance between popularity, party structures and adherence to established electoral procedures.
While efforts were made to obtain an official reaction from the NDC leadership in Imo State, the party’s spokesperson, Dr. Charles Akano, declined to comment immediately, stating that he had not yet received authorization from party leaders to speak on the matter. Several hours later, he reiterated that he was still awaiting approval to issue any official statement regarding the lawsuit.
The controversy in Imo State comes amid another legal storm involving the party in the Niger Delta region.
In a related development, renowned environmental activist and NDC aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has also threatened legal action against the party. Mulade is demanding ₦5 billion in damages over what he described as an unlawful abandonment of the outcome of the party’s primary election process.
Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe-Sorimowei of the oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, accused the party leadership of replacing a transparent electoral process with what he termed an opaque selection arrangement allegedly influenced by financial considerations.
In a strongly worded statement released to journalists in Warri, the activist expressed disappointment that a political platform many Nigerians viewed as a vehicle for national transformation was becoming embroiled in allegations of favoritism and candidate imposition.
According to him, many supporters joined the NDC believing it represented a departure from the practices that have long plagued Nigeria’s political system. However, he argued that recent events have left many aspirants feeling betrayed and disillusioned.
Mulade alleged that the party’s leadership appeared overwhelmed by financial interests disguised as donations, support contributions and proceeds from nomination form sales. He warned that such practices, if left unchecked, could damage the credibility of the party and undermine public confidence in its commitment to transparency and democratic values.
The activist disclosed that he and his legal team had commenced preparations to pursue a ₦5 billion damages claim against the party, insisting that aspirants who invested time, resources and energy into the primary election process deserved fairness and respect.
The twin legal battles now confronting the NDC come at a crucial period as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. Political analysts say the cases could have far-reaching implications not only for the party’s reputation but also for its ability to present a united front ahead of critical electoral contests.
Observers note that disputes over candidate substitution have historically generated significant tensions within Nigerian political parties, often resulting in prolonged court battles, factional divisions and electoral setbacks.
As the lawsuits progress through the courts, many party members and supporters are watching closely to see whether the NDC leadership will seek reconciliation with the aggrieved aspirants or defend its actions through legal channels. Whatever the outcome, the unfolding controversy has placed the party under intense scrutiny and raised fresh questions about internal democracy, transparency and accountability within emerging political movements.
For now, the courts will be expected to determine the legitimacy of the competing claims, while Nigerians await further developments in what is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about political disputes ahead of the 2027 elections, DOYA News reports.
As legal proceedings continue and more details emerge, the controversy is expected to remain at the center of political discourse, with stakeholders across the country eager to see whether justice, fairness and democratic principles will ultimately prevail, according to investigations monitored by DOYA News.