Nigerian Senatorial Aspirant Sues Party Over Candidate Substitution

Isaac Nwachukwu, a senatorial aspirant for Imo North in Nigeria, has taken the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Federal High Court in Owerri. Nwachukwu seeks a court order recognizing him as the NDC's candidate for the 2027 general election, alleging he was denied the party ticket despite paying N25 million for party support and nomination forms.

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A declaration that the plaintiff in this suit is the consensus candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Imo State with regard to the Imo North Senatorial Zone for the 2027 general election.

Nwachukwu claims he paid N20 million for party support and N5 million for the nomination form for the Imo North Senatorial District seat. He asserts that his name was substituted with that of another aspirant, despite him emerging as the consensus candidate among the contenders. Among the reliefs sought, Nwachukwu requests a declaration that he is the legitimate consensus candidate and that the NDC be restrained from fielding anyone else. He also seeks a perpetual injunction against INEC from recognizing any other candidate for the Imo North Senatorial Zone election.

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A declaration that the first defendant (Nigeria Democratic Congress) be restrained from fielding any other candidate except the plaintiff in the election for the Imo North Senatorial Zone, as he is the consensus candidate for the said election.

In an affidavit supporting his case, Nwachukwu detailed the alleged irregularities. He stated that the N20 million he paid for party support was wrongly allocated to another aspirant, Matthew Omegara. Conversely, Omegara's N10 million payment for party support was allegedly allocated to Nwachukwu by the screening committee, headed by Sam Egwu and Buba Galadima. Nwachukwu affirmed that he complied with NDC directives, participated in the screening exercise, and was cleared to contest the primary election. He also provided documentation for his expression of interest form and the N20 million monetary contribution made to the party's account through his solicitor.

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A declaration that the second defendant (Independent National Electoral Commission) be perpetually restrained from recognising and accepting the candidacy of any other person except the plaintiff in the Imo North Senatorial Zone election pending the determination of this matter.