Enugu West Aspirant Petitions NDC Leadership, Demands Compliance with Electoral Act

A senatorial aspirant for Enugu West Senatorial District, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, has issued an open letter to the National Leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, urging the party leadership to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 in the emergence of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
In the letter dated June 11, 2026, Ogbonnia expressed concern over what he described as the absence of a valid primary election or legally recognized consensus process for the Enugu West Senatorial District.
Referencing Senator Dickson’s appearance on Arise Television on June 10, where the NDC leader reportedly stated that the party had not yet produced its official candidates, Ogbonnia argued that the situation in Enugu West remains unresolved and requires urgent intervention.
According to the aspirant, a primary election had earlier been scheduled, attracting what he described as massive support from party members and delegates. He maintained that the turnout demonstrated his strength as a leading contender for the party’s senatorial ticket.
Ogbonnia further claimed that his candidacy had received recognition from notable party stakeholders, including former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and political scholar Udenta Udenta, whom he said acknowledged his viability as a consensus candidate.
The Enugu West aspirant stressed that regardless of who eventually emerges as the party’s candidate, the process must comply fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. He cited legal requirements mandating that candidates emerge either through democratically conducted primaries or through a consensus arrangement endorsed by all aspirants through duly signed agreements.
With the deadline for candidate submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission approaching, Ogbonnia warned that any attempt to submit a candidate’s name without adherence to due process could jeopardize the nomination and expose the party to legal challenges.
He also disclosed that he had previously submitted several petitions on the matter to party authorities but had yet to receive a response.
Warning of potential consequences, the aspirant stated that failure to resolve the issue in accordance with the law could trigger internal disputes, litigation, and possible challenges from political opponents.
Ogbonnia consequently called on Senator Dickson and the national leadership of the NDC to intervene immediately and ensure that the process for selecting the Enugu West senatorial candidate conforms strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act before the electoral commission’s submission deadline expires.
The development highlights growing concerns within some party circles over the conduct of nomination processes ahead of the 2027 elections, as political parties continue preparations for candidate submissions nationwide.