A political dispute has emerged within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations surrounding the party’s House of Assembly primaries in Oshimili North constituency.
Party member Obiodogwu Ashinze has alleged irregularities in the selection process, claiming that he was the sole aspirant in the primaries and had widespread support from delegates and community stakeholders. According to him, no other candidate initially participated in the contest at the time of the exercise.
Ashinze is widely described by supporters as a philanthropist who has contributed significantly to community development in Oshimili North. He is said to have funded educational scholarships for over one hundred beneficiaries and supported widows through housing projects, with reports indicating he has constructed residential buildings valued in the multi-million-naira range.
Community members who supported his aspiration reportedly encouraged him to contest for the legislative seat, citing his record of personal philanthropy and grassroots development efforts. They further argued that his candidacy represented a shift away from what they described as poor political representation in the area.
However, controversy reportedly arose following the emergence of Dr. Chuks Okonji, who is alleged to have lobbied for the party ticket after the primary process. Ashinze’s supporters claim that this development contradicted the initial outcome of the exercise.
It was also claimed that vote counting during the primaries showed Ashinze as the leading and sole participant, though these claims have not been independently verified.
The political dynamics have further drawn attention to representation patterns within the constituency. Stakeholders note that while the Igbuzo axis has had representation in the State House of Assembly within the last 24 years, the northern axis of Oshimili North has not produced a representative within the same period, a situation supporters believe the current election cycle could address.
They argue that Ashinze’s candidacy presents an opportunity for broader inclusion and balanced representation within the constituency.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC leadership has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations.
