A fresh controversy has emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations that the Chairman of the party’s Primary Election Committee in Abia State, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, directly submitted the results of the party’s primary elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development has reportedly sparked tension within the party, with concerns that the alleged submission may have bypassed established procedures for the nomination and transmission of candidates’ names to the electoral commission.
According to documents circulating within party circles, Ikoawaji, who chaired the NDC Primary Election Committee for the May 29, 2026 primaries in Abia State, forwarded the outcome of the governorship, National Assembly and House of Assembly primaries to INEC through the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state.
The letter, dated May 30, 2026 and titled “The Outcome of the NDC Primary Election in Abia State,” stated that results from all local government areas and constituencies had been collated and finalized at the party’s headquarters in Umuahia.
The committee chairman reportedly noted that the collation process was witnessed by an INEC official, security personnel, members of the election committee, and party officials.
However, reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, said the national leadership was unaware of any such submission. He maintained that only the party’s National Secretary is authorized to officially transmit candidates’ names or election results to INEC.
Director further stressed that the electoral commission is expected to reject any submission not made through the appropriate channel as stipulated by electoral guidelines and party procedures.
The controversy has heightened internal concerns within the party, with members awaiting clarification from both the national leadership and relevant electoral authorities regarding the authenticity and status of the alleged submission.
