NDC Senate Aspirant Petitions EFCC Over Alleged ₦20 Million Extortion by Screening Committee

A former senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Sir OAU Onyema, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that he was induced to part with ₦20 million by members of the party’s senatorial screening committee under circumstances he described as fraudulent and coercive.
In a petition dated June 3, 2026, and acknowledged by the anti-graft agency on June 9, Onyema, a legal practitioner, accused members of the screening committee of procuring the money through misrepresentation, undue influence, and pressure during the party’s screening process for aspirants seeking elective offices.
According to the petition filed through his law firm, OAU Onyema & Co., the former aspirant had already fulfilled official party requirements by purchasing an Expression of Interest Form for ₦3 million and voluntarily contributing ₦500,000 as a development levy to the party.
However, Onyema alleged that during the screening exercise, aspirants were informed that those seeking senatorial tickets were expected to demonstrate their “capacity” through a ₦20 million contribution, while House of Representatives and governorship aspirants were expected to contribute ₦10 million and ₦50 million respectively.
The petition specifically named former Governor of Ebonyi State, , as the chairman of the screening panel that allegedly conveyed the expectation to aspirants.
According to Onyema, although the payment was presented as voluntary, the atmosphere created by the screening committee suggested that failure to make the contribution could negatively affect an aspirant’s chances of securing the party’s nomination.
He claimed that he subsequently paid the ₦20 million and submitted evidence of payment to the screening committee, believing it was necessary for serious consideration as the party’s candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District.
The petitioner further alleged that he later discovered that some aspirants who did not make similar payments were nevertheless considered and sponsored by the party, raising questions about the basis upon which candidates were evaluated.
Onyema maintained that he would not have made the payment if not for the representations allegedly made by members of the screening committee and other party officials.
He also claimed that despite participating in the screening process and primary election activities, he was never issued nomination documents and received no official explanation regarding the status of his candidature.
Following the developments, Onyema said he resigned from the party and formally demanded a refund of the ₦20 million through a letter addressed to the party leadership. According to the petition, the request was ignored.
The former aspirant is now asking the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collection of the funds, determine how the money was utilized, and examine the roles played by individuals connected to the transaction.
He further urged the commission to recover the funds and prosecute any person found culpable of obtaining money under false pretences, fraudulent inducement, extortion, abuse of office, or related financial offences.
The allegations come amid growing scrutiny of the conduct of political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns being raised in several quarters over transparency, accountability, and the influence of money in candidate selection processes.
As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the petition.
The EFCC has also not publicly commented on whether a formal investigation has commenced.
The allegations remain claims made by the petitioner and have yet to be tested or proven before any competent authority.
This version preserves the allegations while clearly distinguishing them from established facts and maintaining a neutral, professional news-reporting tone.