Obi’s ally, NDC spokesperson trade accusations over primary ticket

A public dispute has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as ally of Peter Obi, Morris Monye, and party spokesperson Theo Agada trade accusations over Monye's alleged removal as the party's candidate for the House of Representatives in Delta State. The conflict arose after Monye posted over the weekend, alleging that political heavyweights who recently joined the NDC from the All Progressives Congress (APC) were behind his substitution.

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When news of this substitution started filtering in due to entrants of newly defected APC strongmen in Delta State, I had to run to H.E. Peter Obi late at night to brief him on what was going on.

Monye stated that reports of his replacement emerged shortly after the defectors joined the party, with the justification that he had lost a primary election. He claimed to have immediately informed Peter Obi about the situation. According to Monye, Obi expressed concern and advised him to avoid letting the dispute detract from the party's presidential campaign. "After much deliberation on the way forward and fatherly counsel from PO in the presence of Dr. Tanko, Dr. Mo, Mama Pee, Peter Akah, Esther, Ibrahim and others, I decided not to pursue my own election matter any longer out of respect for our Principal, H.E. Peter Obi, and the journey ahead," Monye wrote.

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After much deliberation on the way forward and fatherly counsel from PO in the presence of Dr. Tanko, Dr. Mo, Mama Pee, Peter Akah, Esther, Ibrahim and others, I decided not to pursue my own election matter any longer out of respect for our Principal, H.E. Peter Obi, and the journey ahead.

Monye emphasized his commitment to Obi's presidential ambition, stating he is not desperate for political office but desires "a Nigeria that works for me, you and all our loved ones." He further alleged on Sunday that new entrants from the APC were being favored over long-standing NDC members. Monye rejected claims that the newcomers possessed greater financial strength, insisting he had invested significantly in building the NDC in his constituency, with receipts to prove his contributions. He also noted donating a secretariat to the party in his area, questioning how recent defectors with a reputation from the APC could claim a stronger financial position.

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I am not desperate to answer ‘Honourable’ but I’m desperate to see a Nigeria that works for me, you and all our loved ones. Nigeria must work in my lifetime.