The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing an internal crisis following allegations that the party replaced the winner of its primary election for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1, Rivers State, with the incumbent lawmaker.
The Social Accountability Forum alleged that Prince Abele Wobo, who won the party’s direct primary conducted on May 29, 2026, was replaced on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal with Hon. Manuchim Umezurike.
The group said Wobo emerged winner with 292 votes in the primary conducted by the NDC National Election Committee led by Dr Osusu Osusu.
According to the Forum, Osusu publicly announced Wobo as the winner after the exercise.
It, however, alleged that Umezurike’s name was later uploaded on the INEC portal as the party’s candidate despite his absence from the primary.
The group further claimed that Umezurike was still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) when the NDC primary was conducted and had allegedly failed to secure the APC’s ticket to retain his seat.
The Forum also alleged that there were attempts to pressure Osusu to withdraw the original result and declare Umezurike winner, but that the electoral committee chairman refused.
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It accused unnamed party officials of attempting to use the NDC platform to legitimise what it described as an improper substitution.
The group described the alleged replacement as a threat to internal democracy and warned that such a development could undermine confidence in the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Forum said the matter had been taken to court, adding that Umezurike had reportedly been served through substituted means.
It called on the NDC leadership to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged substitution and restore Wobo’s name on the INEC portal if the May 29 primary result is found to be valid.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections and face growing scrutiny over the conduct of their primaries, candidate selection and adherence to internal electoral rules.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.