A fresh crisis is brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, following allegations that the party unlawfully replaced its declared candidate for the Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1 seat in Rivers State.
The Social Accountability Forum alleged that Prince Abele Wobo, who reportedly won the NDC direct primary held on May 29, 2026, with 292 votes, was replaced on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, portal by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Manuchim Umezurike.
The group said the primary was conducted by the NDC National Election Committee headed by Dr. Osusu Osusu, who publicly announced Wobo as the winner.
According to the forum, Umezurike did not participate in the primary because he was still a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the time. It alleged that his name was later uploaded on the INEC portal as the NDC candidate after he failed to secure the APC ticket.
The group also alleged that there were attempts to pressure the chairman of the electoral committee to withdraw the original result and issue a fresh declaration in favour of Umezurike. It said Dr. Osusu refused to compromise the integrity of the primary.
Describing the alleged substitution as an assault on internal democracy, the forum called on the NDC national leadership to investigate the matter and restore Wobo’s name on the INEC portal if the original primary result is found to be valid.
The group disclosed that the dispute had already been taken to court, with Umezurike reportedly served through substituted means.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, putting renewed attention on candidate selection, internal democracy and compliance with electoral procedures.
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