A fresh crisis is reportedly brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations that the party replaced a candidate who emerged victorious in its primary election for the Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1 seat in Rivers State.
The Social Accountability Forum alleged that Prince Abele Wobo, who reportedly won the party’s direct primary conducted on May 29, 2026, was later replaced on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Manuchim Umezurike.
According to the group, Wobo secured 292 votes in the primary, which was conducted by the NDC National Election Committee headed by Dr. Osusu Osusu. The Forum said Wobo was publicly declared the winner after the exercise.
However, it alleged that despite the declaration, Umezurike’s name subsequently appeared on the INEC portal as the NDC candidate for the constituency.
The organisation further claimed that Umezurike did not participate in the primary because he was allegedly still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time the exercise was conducted.
The Forum accused unnamed individuals within the NDC of attempting to use the party’s platform to replace the candidate who emerged through the primary process.
It also alleged that pressure was mounted on Dr. Osusu to withdraw the original result and issue a fresh declaration in favour of Umezurike. According to the group, the electoral committee chairman refused to compromise the result.
The allegations have raised questions about the internal democratic processes of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Social Accountability Forum described the alleged substitution as an attack on internal democracy, warning that such developments could undermine confidence in the party and affect its credibility among supporters and voters.
The organisation called on the national leadership of the NDC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged change of candidate.
It also urged the party to restore Wobo’s name on the INEC portal if investigations confirm that he was validly elected during the May 29 primary.
The Forum disclosed that the disagreement has already resulted in legal proceedings, with Umezurike reportedly served through substituted means.
The controversy adds to a series of disputes that have emerged within political parties over the selection and replacement of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
For the NDC, the development could become an important test of its commitment to transparent internal processes, particularly as the party seeks to present itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC.
Political parties are expected to comply with their constitutions and electoral guidelines when conducting primaries and selecting candidates for elective positions.
The latest dispute is therefore likely to attract further attention from party members, political observers and electoral stakeholders as the parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
The allegations made by the Social Accountability Forum have not, however, been established as facts by a court, and the NDC is expected to respond to the claims.
Further developments are expected as the legal process continues and the party addresses the controversy surrounding the Rivers State House of Representatives ticket.
