NDC sues for peace as members protest alleged irregularities in Edo

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sued for peace as members staged a peaceful protest over alleged irregularities during the party’s primaries in Edo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NDC primaries to choose its candidates for the 2027 general elections were held nationwide on Friday for the presidential, National Assembly, and House of Assembly elections.

NAN reports that some aggrieved members of the party in the state protested just as the primaries were about to commence, over what they described as irregularities by the National Working Committee in the conduct of the exercise.

The Chairman of the NDC primaries in Edo, Mr Fred Owotorufa, while briefing newsmen in Benin, said the primaries must hold and would be concluded before midnight.

Owotorufa directed all the aspirants and their supporters to move to their various wards and local government areas for the primaries, assuring them that the process would be free and fair.

He said the outcome of the primaries would be sent from the wards to the local government area offices of the party, the constituency offices, and then to the committee in Benin for collation at the state level.

“This process should be concluded before 12 midnight. It’s a selfless sacrifice, and we should all be prepared to sacrifice for our great nation and party.

“We must conclude this process before 12 midnight, and we should sacrifice for it,” he said.

He explained that the NDC does not have a preferred aspirant, adding that it has provided a level playing field for all.

One of the aggrieved party faithful, Mr Cletus Omoruyi, alleged that they were asked to come out early, only for the party leaders to direct them to return to their various wards.

“How is it possible? Look at the time. They are not being transparent enough; hence the protest,” he said.

Another protester, Ms Monica Enabulele, said she was very disappointed with the whole process because they all expected the committee to be proactive.

“We are not sure that we will get what we expected from this process,” she said.

Mr David Omokugbo, a chieftain of the party, demanded that the committee explain the reason for keeping them waiting for so long before issuing the directive on direct primaries.