Mulade Slams NDC With N5bn Lawsuit After Party Rejects Primary Result

Rita Enemuru, Reporting 

A Delta State-born peace and development advocate, who emerged as the winner of the House of Representatives primary for Warri Federal Constituency under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has slammed the party with a N5 billion damages claim following its decision to discard the primary outcome in favour of an undisclosed selection process.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and human rights activist, Chief Sheriff Mulade PhD, expressed deep shock and surprise after the newly registered party abruptly abandoned the primary results and opted to appoint a candidate based on what he described as a “highest bidder” nomination form sales model.

Speaking on the matter, the renowned environmentalist said: “We were taken aback by the newly registered party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which many Nigerians considered to be a saviour and messiah to address the numerous challenges confronting our dear nation. But little did we know that the NDC vehicle we boarded was mainly for what looks more like placeholders, gambling with Nigerians’ future.”

The Niger Delta rights activist acknowledged that he holds the leadership of the NDC, particularly its national leader, His Excellency Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high esteem.

However, he argued that the leadership appeared to have been overwhelmed by resources from certain Nigerians who, under the guise of donations, contributions and nomination form sales, had deliberately influenced the process.

“The NDC cannot adopt such an unspeakable level to ‘appoint’ a flagbearer when a winner has emerged from a lawfully and validly conducted party primary,” he said.

He lamented that Nigerians were growing weary of political parties that continued to gamble with citizens’ hopes during every election cycle.

“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are tired of political parties who continue to gamble and trick Nigerians during every election cycle. Our political party will be purpose-driven with genuine ideologies to salvage and develop the nation for the betterment of its citizenry if there is an independent candidature,” he added.

The activist strongly urged the party leadership to retrace its steps and act with integrity if the NDC genuinely wishes to win elections in 2027.

“The NDC, as a party, is at the threshold of history to redeem its image across the nation,” he said.

He concluded with a cautionary note: “I want to strongly believe that the NDC vehicle for the 2027 general elections is not intended as ‘one chance’ for many Nigerians, but a veritable political vehicle designed for salvaging our battered country.”

Efforts to reach the leadership of the NDC for comment on the N5 billion lawsuit were unsuccessful as of press time.