Outrage Trails Chaotic NDC Aba Primaries Amid Violence, Vote-Buying Allegations

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Assembly and Aba North/Aba South House of Representatives primaries descended into chaos on Friday at the Aba Recreation Club, sparking widespread criticism over allegations of violence, vote-buying, and electoral malpractice.

The exercise, which was expected to produce candidates for the 2027 general elections, ended abruptly after confusion erupted during the voting process. Witnesses at the venue described scenes of disorder, claiming that the primary election failed to meet the standards of transparency and credibility expected by party members and observers.

According to accounts from attendees, tensions escalated when delegates were instructed to queue behind their preferred aspirants as part of the voting process. The situation quickly deteriorated, forcing many participants to flee for safety while electoral officials reportedly abandoned the venue without announcing any official results.

Several witnesses alleged that individuals who were not registered members of the party gained access to the venue. Some claimed that groups of suspected political thugs and hired supporters were present, allegedly to influence the outcome of the exercise or disrupt proceedings if results did not favour certain aspirants.

The aftermath of the disrupted primary further deepened the controversy, with multiple candidates reportedly declaring themselves winners. Allegations of vote-buying also surfaced, as some aspirants were accused of distributing cash to influence delegates before and during the exercise.

Adding to the debate, Barrister Emperor Ogbonna, an aspirant for the Aba Central State Assembly seat, criticized the conduct of the primaries in a social media post. He alleged that some aspirants treated the exercise like a general election and brought in supporters who were not card-carrying members of the party.

Political observers have also raised concerns about possible infiltration by external interests seeking to influence the outcome of the primaries. While these claims remain unverified, they have intensified calls for a thorough review of the exercise.

The incident has generated outrage among residents, party faithful, and political analysts, many of whom believe the NDC’s response to the controversy will play a significant role in shaping public confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

As stakeholders await an official resolution, pressure is mounting on party leaders to investigate the allegations and restore confidence in the electoral process.