NDC sues for peace as members protest alleged irregularities in Edo

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership has called for calm as members staged a peaceful protest over alleged irregularities in the party’s primaries in Edo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NDC primaries to select candidates for the 2027 general elections were held nationwide on Friday for the presidential, National Assembly, and House of Assembly contests.

NAN also reports that some disgruntled party members in Edo State protested just before the primaries began, claiming irregularities by the National Working Committee in the conduct of the exercise.

Mr Fred Owotorufa, the Chairman of the NDC primaries in Edo, briefed reporters in Benin, saying the primaries would be held and concluded before midnight.

Owotorufa directed all aspirants and their supporters to move to their respective wards and local government areas for the primaries, assuring them that the process would be free and fair.

He added that the results of the primaries would be transmitted from the wards to the local government area offices of the party, then to the constituency offices, and finally to the committee in Benin for collation at the state level.

“This process should be concluded before 12 midnight. It’s a selfless sacrifice, and we should all be prepared to sacrifice for our great nation and party,” he said.

He explained that the NDC does not have a preferred aspirant, noting that it has provided a level playing field for all.

One aggrieved party faithful, Mr Cletus Omoruyi, alleged that they were asked to come out early, only for the party leaders to direct them to return to their various wards.

“How is it possible? Look at the time. They are not being transparent enough; hence the protest,” he said.

Another protester, Ms Monica Enabulele, expressed disappointment with the entire process, saying they had expected the committee to be proactive.

“We are not sure that we will get what we expected from this process,” she said.

Mr David Omokugbo, a party chieftain, demanded that the committee explain why they had been kept waiting for so long before issuing the directive on direct primaries.