An aspirant for the OHANIVO Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, has alleged attempts to manipulate the outcome of the party’s primary election held on May 29, 2026, and called on the party leadership to ensure transparency in the process.
In a statement issued on Monday, Nwankwo reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC but expressed concerns over what he described as the failure to publicly announce the results of the primary election conducted across the three local government areas that make up the constituency—Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo.
According to him, despite disruptions that characterized parts of the exercise, voting took place and delegates freely exercised their democratic rights.
“I participated in the election. My delegates participated. Voting was conducted, and delegates exercised their democratic rights. The outcome of that exercise exists and is known to those who participated,” he said.
The aspirant stated that he possesses video evidence and other materials documenting the conduct of the primary election and the voting process, adding that the records have been preserved.
He argued that the absence of an official public declaration of the results raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and due process.
“In every credible democratic exercise, results must be openly declared in the presence of aspirants, agents, delegates, and observers. The withholding of results creates uncertainty and opens the door to potential manipulation of the democratic process,” he stated.
Nwankwo further claimed to have received credible information suggesting that efforts may be underway to alter or substitute the genuine results of the primary election with figures that do not reflect the votes cast.
He warned that any result different from what was recorded at the polling locations across the constituency would be challenged through all lawful and internal party mechanisms.
“The evidence remains intact. The facts are verifiable. The truth of what transpired on election day cannot be erased,” he said.
The aspirant appealed to the party’s Election Appeals Committee, National Working Committee, and other leaders to ensure transparent collation and public announcement of the authentic results from all voting locations within the constituency.
He also urged the party to adhere strictly to its constitution and suspend the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the genuine results are properly collated and declared.
Beyond the dispute over the primary, Nwankwo raised concerns about what he described as the concentration of both the Senate and House of Representatives tickets within the same ward and village in Onicha Community.
According to him, such an arrangement could create perceptions of exclusion among other communities in the constituency and potentially affect the party’s electoral prospects.
He argued that equity, inclusiveness, and balanced representation are essential to maintaining party unity and securing broad-based support across the three local government areas.
Despite his grievances, Nwankwo reiterated his commitment to the NDC and its democratic ideals but vowed to pursue every lawful remedy available if the genuine outcome of the primary election is suppressed or altered.
He also urged his supporters and the people of OHANIVO Federal Constituency to remain calm, peaceful, and united, expressing confidence that “truth, justice, and fairness will ultimately prevail.”