2027: Fresh crisis hits NDC

A fresh crisis has erupted within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations that the party replaced its declared House of Representatives candidate for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1, Rivers State, with another name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

The controversy followed the party’s direct primary conducted on May 29, 2026, by the National Election Committee led by Dr Osusu Osusu, where Prince Abele Wobo was declared winner after securing 292 votes.

However, the Social Accountability Forum, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Elechi Kingsley, and Secretary, Godspower Nyebuchi, alleged that the name of the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Manuchim Umezurike, had been uploaded on the INEC portal instead of Wobo’s.

The group accused the party of undermining its internal democratic process, insisting that Wobo emerged as the legitimate candidate after the primary election.

“Prince Abele Wobo lawfully emerged as the candidate of the NDC for Port Harcourt Constituency 1. The result was announced publicly by the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee, Dr Osusu Osusu,” the group said.

It further alleged that Umezurike did not participate in the primary election, claiming he was still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time.

The group claimed attempts were made to pressure Dr Osusu to alter the outcome of the primary but that he refused, accusing some party members of trying to discredit the process.

“They are now trying to discredit and disclaim the entire primary conducted by Dr Osusu Osusu because he refused to compromise his integrity,” the statement added.

The forum warned that replacing a declared winner after an election could damage public confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It called on the NDC leadership to immediately address the issue and restore Wobo’s name on the INEC portal.

The matter has reportedly been taken to court, with Umezurike said to have been served through substituted means.