NDC: Stakeholders Demand Democratic Primaries

…Reject Sentimentally Flawed Consensus for Idemili North and South Federal House of Representative Position 

 By Nnadi Chukwubuzo

IDEMILI, NIGERIA — As political parties gear up for the upcoming primary elections, stakeholders, party faithful, and community leaders within the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency have issued a resounding call for democratic purity.

The constituency is firmly asserted  its support for Hon. Chuka Ezenwune as the preferred candidate for the Federal House of Representatives, while explicitly rejecting any attempts to impose a candidate through  sentiment flawed and emotion laid consensus process.

They  advocated  for due process and a democratic primary election in the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, not ” wulu-wulu or mago-mago ” that will return non performing politicians to the positions they should have bowed out in shame due to their non performance and dormancy scorecard.

They maintained that consensus is a magic carpet flight, soft landing and escape route of people who have failed but were not brought to test their failure through structured means of political party primary elections.

Many political stakeholders of Idemili North and South said  that despite the fact that electoral laws acknowledge that political parties can adopt consensus as nomination for party candidates, they are of the opinion that in some contextual scenarios that open, free and fair party primaries creates a more peaceful atmosphere to eschew rancor and disunity among party stalwarts.

Supporters of Hon. Chuka Ezenwune also emphasized that the processes that will yield free and fair democratically conducted primary elections for all candidates contesting for the position of Representative – Federal House of Representative of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

They argued that It is not just funny but ironical that the failed politicians instead of submitting themselves for the party delegates in an open party primary election as test of their scorecards and non delivered charter of services and make honorable decision of rather taking a shameful bow out of the scene, they are still scheming to have a sweetheart handshake of man-know-man and business as usual method with some money bags and return to status quo ante positions.

They noted that the people of Idemili North and South of Nigeria Democratic Congress will reject such dance of shame because it is against the spirit of our dear party – Nigeria Democratic Congress and against all things pure and holy.

 Under a very fair and democratic situation, it is the incumbent position holder who will be clamoring for party primary elections with heart filled with confidence to showcase result of performance to shame the prospective contestants who want to replace him or her. But by error of absurdity that has clouded Nigerian political landscape is rearing its head in the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Idemili North and South Federal Constituency. The fresh and zealous new candidates are challenging all the status quo to a show of accountability and show your scorecard contest which political party primary elections stands for. What an error and shame to deal with! There is common parlance among the Igbo people which says: ‘Atuba uto, si wepu aghugho’ (If we decide to move forward in unity and happiness, we must drop all manner of lies, selfishness, sentiments and trick). Nobody, whether big or small politicians of NDC descent should come with destructive tendencies that have the potentials of clashing the nascent happy and forward looking platform of NDC not even in Idemili ancient political enclave. We resist such moves and we already know where they are coming from. Such politicians whoever they are can either choose peace and unity for all, or choose sentiment, selfishness and ruin the bigger picture for everyone including themselves. We call for equity, fairness and justice. Enough is enough. 

In a joint statement gathered from key political actors across the local government areas, the message to the party leadership was unequivocal: the mandate for the green chamber must be earned through the transparent fire of due process, not handed out via boardroom arrangements driven by sentiment. Hon. Chuka Ezenwune’s track record of legislative competence, grassroots accessibility, and community development has consistently made him the frontrunner for the Idemili North and South seat. However, supporters emphasize that his popularity should be validated through the ballot box, ensuring his ultimate mandate carries the full weight of popular will. Hon. Chuka Ezenwune’s testimonials towers high above everything as a rare case for competence over consensus. Anyone including the incumbent position holder that has such confidence should call for open party primary election and jettison the cry-cry baby attitude of running around bigger brother politicians to work the consensus process for them. In a highly competitive 2027 political buildups, NDC risks losing the seat of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency to another political party if the due process is not followed.  

“We know Hon. Ezenwune has the capacity, the legislative experience, and the grassroots backing to deliver high-quality representation for Idemili,” a prominent party stakeholder stated. “Precisely because he is a strong candidate, we do not need shortcuts. A consensus arrangement built on political sentiment or backroom zoning may compromise the integrity of our party. Let every aspirant go to the field. Let the delegates speak.” Political analysts within Anambra State have frequently warned against the dangers of forced consensus arrangements. When party hierarchies attempt to bypass competitive primaries, it often breeds internal friction, alienates the grassroots, and weakens the party’s position heading into the general election. They have described such as ‘risks of a flawed process’ which ricochets for a very long time with acute damaging effects to the political party that foolhardily takes such decision. A word is therefore enough for the wise. Constituents in Idemili North and South are keenly aware of these stakes. They argue that a transparent, well-conducted party primary is the only way to produce a bulletproof candidate capable of winning the general election.

The push for a competitive primary is not a sign of division, but a demonstration of democratic strength. Supporters of Hon. Ezenwune believe that an open process will only highlight his deep-seated popularity and readiness for the Federal House of Representatives. They say it is mark of equity, fainess and inclusive demanding of a level playing field for all. That is in reality: ‘egbe belu, ugo belu’ (let the kite perch, let the eagle perch) philosophy. The collective demand from the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency remains clear:

Total adherence to the party’s constitution regarding primary elections.

A completely level playing field for all screened aspirants.

The outright rejection of any hand-picked consensus models that ignore the true yearnings of the grassroots.

As the party leadership finalizes its guidelines, the eyes of Idemili are watching closely. The constituency is ready to reward legislative excellence, but they insist that the journey to Abuja must begin with a transparent vote at home.