Chiogo Constance Ikoku, an aspirant for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected the party’s primary election held on May 29, calling for its immediate cancellation and describing the exercise as a “brazen criminal act” that denied members their democratic right to choose.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, Ikoku said she and her supporters were present at the designated venue from morning until about 2 p.m., but noted that no credible election was conducted to allow members to vote freely.
“What we witnessed was chaos—thugs loyal to opposing candidates clashing, gunshots being fired, and people fleeing for safety,” she said, stressing that the situation made any form of voting impossible.
She warned that it would be unacceptable for the party to declare a winner from such a process, arguing that any candidate announced would have emerged through violence, in violation of the principles of natural justice, equity, and good conscience.
“I reiterate that no direct primary election took place in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency,” Ikoku insisted, rejecting any outcome that may be produced from the disrupted exercise.
She called on the NDC leadership to thoroughly investigate the roles played by rival candidates and their supporters in derailing the process. She also urged a probe into the conduct of officials responsible for organizing the election, citing what she described as “apparent failure, negligence, or inability” to manage the exercise effectively.
“As we await an official response from the party regarding these events, I urge everyone to remain calm,” she added, assuring her supporters that the setback would not derail their collective ambition.
Reaffirming her commitment to public service, Ikoku concluded with her campaign message: “Thank you for believing in me. This is not the end—it is only the beginning. I remain committed to working for the greater good of our people. Politics for Public Good. Take Back Your Government.”