The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has threatened to boycott the forthcoming local government elections, accusing the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) of withholding electoral materials meant for the party.
The party made the position known after an emergency meeting of its State Executive Committee, where members expressed concern over what they described as an attempt to frustrate the party’s participation in the council polls.
In a statement signed by the State Secretary, Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel, the NDC alleged that ENSIEC’s refusal to release the materials amounts to a denial of its constitutional and electoral rights.
The party argued that no electoral management body should create obstacles capable of preventing a registered political party from participating in an election, warning that such action could undermine the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.
The NDC therefore called on ENSIEC to immediately release the election materials due to the party and guarantee equal participation for all political parties.
It warned that failure to address the issue would leave the party with no option but to withdraw from the forthcoming local government elections, saying participating without access to the necessary materials would amount to endorsing an unfair electoral process.
The party also urged its members across the state to remain calm, united and law-abiding while it awaits the formal ratification of the expulsion of Mr. SKC Ogbonnia by the party’s National Executive Committee.
The NDC said Ogbonnia had been placed on indefinite suspension since May 18 by the Ward Executive Committee of Ward 9, Amoli/Ogugu/Owelli/Ugbo, in Awgu Local Government Area, over allegations including anti-party activities, gross misconduct, sabotage and disloyalty.
According to the party, Ogbonnia allegedly proceeded to obtain and pay for the party’s Expression of Interest Form for the senatorial election despite the subsisting suspension.
The State Executive Committee subsequently resolved to expel him, describing his actions as defiance of the party’s disciplinary process and conduct capable of bringing the party into disrepute.
The expulsion decision has been forwarded to the National Executive Committee for formal ratification in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The NDC maintained that the dispute goes beyond individual personalities, insisting that it concerns democratic principles, equal political participation and the rights of registered political parties to participate in elections.
