Imo State, Nigeria — Fresh controversy has trailed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries for the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency, amid allegations that a high-profile judicial officer of the Supreme Court, who is said to be related to one of the aspirants, is allegedly mounting pressure on party leaders in an effort to influence the outcome of the exercise.
The primaries, held between May 28 and 29, 2026, produced five cleared aspirants who met all party requirements. The candidates included Tochukwu Iwunamara Jacob (Njaba LGA), Perry Ekwenazu (Njaba LGA), Nze Valentine Ajoku (Nkwerre LGA), TJ Ehirim (Njaba LGA), and Kingsley Echendu (Isu LGA).
Party sources said all aspirants obtained expression of interest forms, participated in congresses and conventions, and underwent screening before the exercise.
However, tensions reportedly escalated when Nze Nnamdi Nwosu Iheme from Nkwerre LGA entered the race shortly before the primaries. According to insiders, his late participation raised concerns among some stakeholders regarding his level of involvement within party structures.
Following the conclusion of the primaries, in which he failed to emerge victorious, allegations surfaced that a senior judicial figure, said to be related to the aspirant, allegedly began engaging political stakeholders in Imo State and members of the NDC leadership in an attempt to secure a reversal of the outcome.
Sources within the party further allege that efforts are being made to have the aspirant imposed as the party’s flag bearer for the constituency ahead of the January 2027 general elections, despite the outcome of the primaries. The alleged lobbying is said to have extended to members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Additional claims, which have not been independently verified, suggest that pressure may have been brought to bear on senior party officials, including the party’s national leadership, with references reportedly made to possible legal consequences in future electoral disputes. These allegations remain unsubstantiated, and no evidence has been publicly presented to support them.
The development has reignited debates over zoning and equity within the constituency, with aspirant Kingsley Echendu previously arguing that while Nkwerre, Nwangele and Njaba local government areas have historically produced representatives, Isu LGA has yet to occupy the seat and should be considered on grounds of fairness.
Some party stakeholders warn that any attempt to overturn the primary outcome could undermine internal democracy and heighten tensions among aspirants and supporters across the constituency.
“This situation raises serious questions about fairness, transparency and respect for due process within the party,” a party stakeholder said.
The controversy comes at a time when the NDC is already grappling with internal tensions at the national level. Reports indicate that the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has allegedly threatened to reconsider his future in the party following the removal and replacement of several candidates submitted by the Kwankwasiyya bloc in Kano State. According to reports, the dispute centres on the implementation of a 60-40 power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the original NDC structure, with party officials arguing that revisions to the candidates’ list were necessary to reflect the agreed formula.
Sources close to the development claim that the replacement of some Kwankwaso loyalists has deepened divisions within the party and triggered concerns about internal democracy and the management of competing interests among newly aligned political blocs. The disagreement is said to have prompted threats of a possible exit by members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, although neither Kwankwaso nor his camp has issued a formal public statement confirming such plans.
Political observers say the growing disputes within the NDC could test the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as it seeks to manage the interests of influential figures and factions that recently joined the platform.
As of press time, the NDC had not issued an official statement regarding the allegations. Efforts to obtain responses from those connected to the matter were unsuccessful.
The controversy places the party under increasing scrutiny as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, with growing calls for adherence to internal democratic procedures and respect for the outcome of party primaries.
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