PRESS STATEMENT
I strongly condemn the unlawful disruption of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election process in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State today.
The NDC primary election was duly scheduled and publicly communicated to the appropriate authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies. Party members gathered peacefully at the NDC Secretariat located at Resthouse, Ntezi, Ishielu Local Government Area, to participate in a legitimate democratic exercise guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, credible reports from party members indicate that the Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu, allegedly directed that the NDC should not conduct its primary election anywhere within the local government area.
Furthermore, Mr. Frank Aloh, the Coordinator of Ishielu East Development Centre, mobilised group of thugs to the NDC Secretariat where party members were threatened, intimidated, and eventually dispersed. Among those affected were elderly women and peaceful supporters who had assembled solely to exercise their democratic rights.
At approximately 8:42 a.m today, I personally contacted Mr. Frank Aloh and urged him to refrain from interfering with the lawful activities of another political party. During the conversation, he stated that he had received directive from the Ebonyi State Government not to allow the NDC conduct primaries anywhere in the locality. He further threatened me during the call and referenced that he regretted not dealing with me during the 2019 elections before abruptly ending the conversation.
Subsequently, party members were reportedly chased away from the venue by him and his group acting under his direction.
These developments, if left unchecked, represent a dangerous assault on democratic principles, political freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in the political process without intimidation or fear.
I therefore call on:
– The Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate these allegations and ensure that all individuals involved are held accountable in accordance with the law.
– The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take official notice of these incidents and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
– Human rights organisations, civil society groups, and democratic institutions to speak against all forms of political intimidation and suppression.
– The international community, including diplomatic missions and democracy observers, to closely monitor developments relating to political freedom and electoral participation in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nigeria’s democracy must not be reduced to a system where opposition voices are threatened, silenced, or violently suppressed. Every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, has a constitutional right to participate freely in democratic activities.
No government official or political actor should place themselves above the Constitution or use intimidation to deny citizens their lawful rights.
Democracy can only thrive where freedom, fairness, and the rule of law are respected.
e-Signed
Dr Peter Okey
Member of NDC Diaspora
United Kingdom
29/05/2026
