A group of concerned members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Abia Central Senatorial District, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for upholding the rule of law, while seeking an investigation into the listing of Senator Nkechi Nwaogu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The group, under the aegis of the Abia Central NDC Concerned Members’ Movement, urged INEC to withdraw recognition of Nwaogu’s candidature if an investigation establishes that her nomination violated relevant electoral laws and party procedures.
The movement made the demands in a letter of commendation presented to the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Silvia Agu, during a visit to the commission’s office in Umuahia.
In the letter signed by its coordinator, Hon. Chiadikaobi Elesigwe, Esq and co-signed by the secretary, Ikenna Stephen Onuba, the group commended INEC for its commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, particularly in relation to the Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026.
The group argued that the judgment reinforced the need for political parties to comply strictly with statutory provisions governing party membership, candidate nomination and primary elections.
Similarly, the group in another letter of Petition, said Nwaogu did not participate in the NDC senatorial primary election conducted for Abia Central on May 29, 2026, and was not recognized as an aspirant in the exercise.
It maintained that Engr. Ogbonna I. Abarikwu emerged from the primary election and should therefore, be recognized and published by INEC as the party’s duly nominated candidate for the senatorial district.
The group further alleged that Nwaogu had previously pursued the All Progressives Congress (APC), senatorial ticket for Abia Central, which it said was won by Rt. Hon. Emeka Atuma during the party’s primary election on May 18, 2026.
It called on INEC to examine relevant membership registers, resignation records, nomination forms, primary election documents and other records to establish whether Nwaogu met the legal requirements to contest the NDC primary.
The group also cited Sections 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions relating to the submission of party membership registers to INEC ahead of primary elections.
It urged the commission to act promptly and impartially, stressing that the dispute required a transparent resolution to protect the integrity of the electoral process and the democratic choices of party members.
Responding, the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Silvia Agu, appreciated the members of the movement for visiting the commission to express their commendation.
She assured them that INEC would uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
Speaking during an interview, Abarikwu commended his supporters for what he described as their sincere grassroots support, saying their visit demonstrated their belief in his ability to represent their interests if given the opportunity.
He said the group came basically to commend INEC for its legal position in a case which, according to him, could have undermined democracy.
“The Electoral Act is very clear on the rules of engagement in primary elections”, Abarikwu said.
He alleged that an individual who was not a member of the NDC at the relevant time had been listed on the INEC portal as the party’s candidate for Abia Central.
Abarikwu also referred to the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on party membership and eligibility to participate in primary elections, expressing confidence that INEC would carefully examine the issues raised in the petition and take appropriate action.
“We believe that after presenting our case, they will follow it meticulously and do the needful”, he said.
Also speaking with journalists, the Coordinator of the group, Hon. Chiadikaobi Elesigwe, insisted that justice must prevail, explaining that the visit was to commend INEC for its efforts to protect Abia Central Senatorial District and safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
He praised the commission for its doggedness, fairness and commitment to the pursuit of truth, particularly its defence of the provisions of the Electoral Act, which culminated in the landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026.
According to him, the judgment has provided a legal foundation for the group’s ongoing efforts to seek redress over the disputed senatorial candidature.
“Without this, we would not have a basis for our litigation. We are saying that democracy must survive in Nigeria. INEC cannot be arm-twisted, and that is why we are here to commend the commission”, he said.
Those present during the visit included INEC Abia Administrative Secretary, Dr. Ama Ibom, the commission’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Emma Ukaegbu and members of the Abia Central NDC Concerned Members’ Movement, among others.
The members of the group were equally seen carrying banners that reads, “Thank you INEC for Protecting Our Democracy, “INEC Save Abia Central Senatorial District, ” INEC Please Give Us Engr Ogbonna Abarikwu for Abia Central Senatorial District”, and others.
