Isaac Nwachukwu, a Senatorial Aspirant for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Imo North, has filed a lawsuit against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, over alleged irregularities in the party’s 2027 National Assembly primaries. The suit, filed through his counsel Cajethan Oguzie, seeks to compel the court to declare Nwachukwu as the consensus candidate for the Imo North Senatorial Zone and restrain both defendants from recognizing any other candidate until the matter is resolved.
Nwachukwu claims he emerged as the consensus candidate after participating in the NDC screening process and paying N5 million for the nomination form. He further alleges that he contributed N20 million toward party development, which was deposited into the party’s FCMB account via his lawyer, with receipts attached as evidence in the case. However, when the list of contributors was published, his contribution was inexplicably reduced to N10 million, while another aspirant, Matthew Omegara, was credited with N20 million — despite having paid only N10 million himself.
The plaintiff asserts that this manipulation occurred under the supervision of the Screening Committee chaired by Sam Egwu and Buba Galadimma. Despite being cleared as an aspirant and officially shortlisted as the candidate for Imo North, Nwachukwu says his name was later replaced with Omegara’s after the primary election results were announced. He claims the substitution happened following a meeting with NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson, who informed him that his candidacy was affected because a party chieftain from Imo State reportedly did not recognize him.
In his affidavit, Nwachukwu emphasized that he complied fully with all party directives and was formally ratified as the consensus candidate. He presented Exhibit 1U5, a copy of the official result confirming his status, as part of the legal documentation. His prayers before the court include a declaration that he is the rightful candidate, an injunction preventing NDC from fielding anyone else, and a permanent restraint on INEC from accepting or recognizing any other candidate for the Imo North Senatorial seat.
Additionally, Nwachukwu is demanding that the NDC issue him an official certificate of candidature as its nominee for the 2027 general elections. The case highlights growing concerns over transparency and fairness in political party primaries across Nigeria, especially as the next electoral cycle approaches. This legal battle could set a precedent for how party nominations are managed and contested in future elections.
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