ENUGU — Senate aspirant Dr. SKC Ogbonnia has dismissed reports identifying him as the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) candidate for the Enugu West Senatorial District, describing circulating candidate lists as “fake” and insisting that no lawful candidate has yet emerged for the 2027 general election.
Speaking after returning to Enugu from a series of consultations with stakeholders and relevant institutions in Abuja, Ogbonnia said he remained committed to keeping party members and supporters informed about developments surrounding the NDC’s nomination process.
According to the former presidential aspirant, the party has neither officially announced nor is legally positioned to announce a candidate for Enugu West at this stage. He argued that under Nigeria’s electoral laws, candidates can only emerge through a valid direct primary election or a duly agreed consensus arrangement recognised by the party and the law.
Ogbonnia explained that although his supporters mobilised in large numbers across the Enugu West Senatorial District in anticipation of the party’s primary election, the exercise was never conducted. He further maintained that no consensus process was initiated to produce a candidate.
“As matters stand, there has been neither a valid primary election nor a consensus process capable of producing a lawful candidate,” he stated.
He warned that any attempt to impose candidates outside the provisions of the Electoral Act and party guidelines could face legal challenges, noting that Nigerian courts have consistently invalidated nominations that fail to comply with established electoral procedures.
Addressing reports that names are being uploaded to electoral platforms, Ogbonnia argued that such entries should be regarded only as temporary placeholders pending the lawful completion of the party’s nomination process.
“The names being uploaded at this stage are placement objects and will be substituted in accordance with the law at the appropriate time,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, Ogbonnia declared that he would never accept a candidacy secured through imposition, even if it benefited him personally. He said his position aligns with the electoral integrity principles championed by , whom he described as a leader committed to free, fair and transparent elections.
“I have built my public life around the defence of free, fair and transparent elections. I cannot support any process that undermines those principles,” he added.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the nomination process, Ogbonnia expressed confidence that he would eventually emerge as the NDC’s lawful candidate for the Enugu West Senatorial District, subject to the successful conclusion of the party’s internal processes and compliance with electoral laws.
He also disclosed that efforts were underway within the party to resolve all outstanding issues amicably and in accordance with the law.
Expressing appreciation to his supporters, Ogbonnia thanked them for their patience and steadfastness, urging them to remain calm and prayerful.
“Your resilience has been remarkable. Please continue to pray. Those prayers are yielding results,” he said.
The latest development comes amid growing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as political parties continue to conduct consultations and prepare for candidate selection processes expected to attract close attention from party members, election observers and the courts.
