A concerned Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency resident, Mr. Idoko Chidozie, has threatened legal action if Hon. Tony Ugwu is allowed to contest for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, citing allegations of dual party membership. The petition, filed through his lawyer, Dominic C. Aroh, Esq, was addressed to the NDC Chairman in Enugu State and copied to INEC and the NDC National Chairman. Idoko argues that Ugwu’s participation in the NDC primaries violates electoral laws and undermines party integrity.
According to the petition, Ugwu, who is currently the Nsukka Local Government Area Coordinator for Senatorial candidate Hon. Ikeje Asogwa under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is attempting to secure the NDC ticket for the upcoming House of Representatives election. Idoko claims this constitutes dual party membership, which is prohibited under Nigerian electoral regulations. He emphasized that while citizens have the constitutional right to join any political party under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, they cannot belong to two parties simultaneously.
The petitioner highlighted that Ugwu was officially appointed as APC campaign coordinator on May 10, 2026, and had already begun fulfilling his duties by distributing N20,000 to APC members in Nsukka. This, Idoko argues, proves Ugwu was still an active APC member at the time the NDC submitted its membership register to INEC on May 6, 2026. Section 77(5) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires that only registered members may participate in party primaries, making Ugwu’s eligibility questionable if he was registered with both parties.
Idoko warned that dual membership carries criminal liability and could result in corrective home placement if proven. He suggested that Ugwu’s move may be a strategic ploy by the APC to influence the NDC primary, with the possibility of the candidate’s victory being later nullified in court. He stressed that allowing such a candidate to contest would harm the NDC’s chances and damage party credibility.
The petitioner demanded that Ugwu not be cleared for the primary, warning that legal action would follow if the party proceeds. When contacted, Ugwu confirmed he had submitted a letter of resignation from his APC role but stated he had not seen the petition. He did not elaborate further on his political intentions or the timing of his resignation.
This development has sparked debate within the political landscape of Enugu State, raising concerns about party loyalty and electoral fairness. As the NDC prepares for its primaries, the issue of Ugwu’s eligibility may influence voter confidence and party cohesion. The outcome could set a precedent for how dual party membership is handled in future elections across Nigeria.
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