Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, the Edo South Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial aspirant, has accused the party of rigging its just-concluded primary election, claiming he emerged victorious despite the irregularities. The primary election was held on May 29, but as of June 5, the NDC has yet to officially announce the results, prompting Agbonayinma to speak out during an interview on Arise Television. He insists that his win was clear and fair, backed by a high voter turnout and endorsements from ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and other party leaders.
Agbonayinma emphasized that there is no confusion or ambiguity about the outcome, questioning why the results have not been released over a week after the election. He stressed that if he had lost, he would have conceded gracefully, but since he won, he demands recognition and the right to proceed with his senatorial campaign. He described the process as honourable and urged the party leadership to act transparently and uphold democratic principles within the NDC.
The delay in announcing the results has raised concerns among party members and political observers in Edo State. Agbonayinma’s allegations of rigging have added tension to an already sensitive political environment ahead of the 2023 general elections. His claim that key party officials acknowledged his victory further strengthens his position, as it suggests internal support despite the lack of official confirmation.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, a political party with aspirations in several states, is under scrutiny for its handling of the primary process. Critics argue that the prolonged silence on the results undermines trust in the party’s internal democracy. Agbonayinma’s call for transparency comes at a crucial time when political parties are expected to demonstrate fairness and accountability in selecting candidates.
As the 2023 election draws closer, the outcome of the Edo South NDC primary will influence voter perception and party cohesion. Agbonayinma’s insistence on being declared the winner reflects a broader demand for electoral integrity within Nigerian politics. The NDC leadership now faces mounting pressure to release the results and address the allegations of rigging to maintain credibility.
The situation underscores the importance of timely and transparent party primaries in Nigeria’s democratic process. With Agbonayinma’s campaign momentum and public statements, the party may be forced to act swiftly to prevent further unrest. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the NDC upholds its democratic values or risks alienating its members and supporters.
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