A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, has alleged attempts to suppress and alter the results of the party’s primary election for the OHANIVO Federal Constituency seat, calling on the party leadership to ensure transparency and adherence to due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwankwo, who contested the NDC primary election held on May 29, 2026, said the exercise was conducted across the three local government areas that make up the constituency—Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo—despite what he described as confusion and disruptions in parts of the process.
According to him, delegates participated in the election and votes were cast, but the results were not publicly announced at the conclusion of the exercise.
“The primary election took place. I participated, my delegates participated, voting was conducted, and delegates exercised their democratic rights,” he said.
The aspirant disclosed that he possesses video recordings and other materials documenting the conduct of the election and voting process across the constituency, adding that the evidence has been preserved.
Nwankwo expressed concern over the failure to publicly declare the outcome of the primary, describing the development as a threat to transparency and accountability.
“In every credible democratic exercise, results must be openly declared in the presence of aspirants, agents, delegates and observers. The withholding of results creates uncertainty and opens the door to potential manipulation of the democratic process,” he stated.
He further alleged that he had received credible information suggesting that efforts might be underway to alter, falsify or substitute the genuine results of the election with figures that do not reflect the votes cast by delegates.
The aspirant warned that any result that differs from what was recorded at the polling locations would be challenged through all available legal and party mechanisms.
“The evidence remains intact. The facts are verifiable. The truth of what transpired on election day cannot be erased,” he said.
Nwankwo appealed to the NDC’s Election Appeals Committee, National Working Committee and other party leaders to immediately ensure transparent collation and public announcement of the authentic results from all voting centres within the constituency.
He also called for strict adherence to the party’s constitution and due process, urging the leadership to suspend the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the genuine results are properly collated and declared.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the primary election, the aspirant raised concerns over what he described as the concentration of major elective tickets within a single ward.
He argued that allocating both the Senate and House of Representatives tickets to candidates from the same ward and village in Onicha Community could generate concerns among stakeholders across the constituency and create perceptions of exclusion.
According to him, equitable representation across the constituent communities is vital for party unity and electoral success.
“A fair and equitable distribution of opportunities across the constituent communities will strengthen unity, deepen participation and enhance the party’s electoral prospects throughout the constituency,” he stated.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the NDC, Nwankwo said he remains committed to the party and its ideals of fairness, transparency, justice and internal democracy.
However, he vowed to pursue all lawful remedies available under Nigerian law and within the party framework should the authentic outcome of the primary election be suppressed or altered.
Addressing supporters and residents of OHANIVO Federal Constituency, the aspirant thanked them for their participation in the democratic process and urged them to remain calm and peaceful while awaiting the resolution of the matter.
“I remain committed to ensuring that your voices are heard, your votes are respected and your mandate is protected through every legitimate and lawful means available,” he said.
Nwankwo expressed confidence that the leadership of the NDC would uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, justice and equity in resolving the issues surrounding the primary election.
