The NDC Concerned Movement in Abia State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce a Supreme Court ruling concerning alleged irregularities in candidate nominations, with particular attention to the Abia Central Senatorial District.
The group made the appeal during a visit to INEC’s office at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, where its representatives commended the commission for its handling of the dispute and called for the consistent application of electoral laws.
Led by its coordinator, Hon. Chiadikaobi Elesigwe, the delegation spoke on behalf of Engr. Ogbonna Ibeji Abarikwu, who maintains that he emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Abia Central through the party’s primary election.
The group alleged that political parties had, in some cases, replaced candidates who participated in and won primaries with individuals who were not on the original nomination lists. It urged INEC to investigate any proven irregularities and ensure that its records reflect lawful nominations.
Dispute over Abia Central senatorial ticket.
Abarikwu alleged that his name was replaced on INEC’s candidate portal by that of Senator Nkechi Nworgu. He claimed that Nworgu was not listed on the NDC membership register and did not participate in the party’s primary election held on May 29, 2026.
These claims form part of the ongoing dispute over who should represent the NDC in the Abia Central senatorial contest. They remain allegations advanced by Abarikwu and the movement, rather than independently established findings of wrongdoing.
The group argued that party membership and primary-election requirements must be respected and that aspirants who satisfy the applicable rules should not be displaced through irregular substitutions.
It also called on INEC to examine the relevant records and apply the September 2026 Supreme Court ruling in accordance with the judgment’s actual terms and any subsequent court orders.
INEC promises to forward petition to Abuja.
During the visit, Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu, welcomed the delegation and described its visit as an unusual gesture of appreciation for the commission’s work.
Agu reportedly assured the group that its petition would be forwarded to INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja for consideration and appropriate action. The reported assurance did not amount to a final determination of the disputed candidacy.
The group maintained that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on impartial institutions, accurate nomination records and compliance with judicial decisions.
Implications for the 2027 elections.
The Abia Central dispute highlights the challenges that can arise when political parties disagree over primary elections and candidate substitutions ahead of a general election.
The NDC Concerned Movement has asked INEC to preserve relevant nomination records, investigate discrepancies and ensure that electoral laws are enforced without political interference.
The commission’s next steps will be important to the competing claims over the senatorial ticket. Until the relevant authorities clarify the legal position, the dispute remains a contested nomination matter requiring resolution through established electoral and judicial procedures.
