The National Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) South-East, Mr Teddy Obe, has dismissed allegations by the party's House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Mr Ceejay Henry Ezebuiro. Obe described the allegations as serious and unfounded, challenging Ezebuiro to provide concrete evidence, particularly his claim that party officials demanded N150 million from him or plotted to eliminate him.
Obe denied demanding money from Ezebuiro, either personally or on behalf of the NDC, and challenged him to produce evidence of any alleged payment, including the purported transaction into a private account. He also denied threatening Ezebuiro's life or participating in any plan to force him to surrender his ticket to another aspirant. Obe stressed that disagreements over party nominations should not be presented as threats to life without verifiable evidence.
According to Obe, party primaries and disputes arising from them are governed by internal procedures and applicable electoral laws. He added that no individual could unilaterally transfer a ticket legitimately won by a candidate. Obe further challenged Ezebuiro to disclose details of the alleged meeting where party leaders purportedly demanded money from him, including the date, venue, names of those present, and documents relating to the alleged transactions.
Ezebuiro had accused the party's South-East zonal leaders of threatening his life if he refused to relinquish the NDC ticket or pay them N150 million. He alleged that those involved included Obe, the National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan; Chief Martin Agbaso; and former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa. Ezebuiro claimed that he had already been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the party's candidate.
Obe urged Ezebuiro to retract the allegations within 14 days or face legal action. He said the allegations could damage the reputation of the party and its leadership. Obe also challenged Ezebuiro to substantiate his claim that he had already been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the party's candidate, noting that the legal status of any disputed nomination should be determined from relevant INEC records and applicable court processes.
The NDC chieftain said the party leadership remained committed to resolving legitimate disputes through its established internal mechanisms and the courts where necessary. He urged the public to distinguish between allegations made by an aggrieved party member and facts established through evidence or by a competent authority. Obe said Ezebuiro was free to pursue any legal remedy if he believed his rights had been violated.
Obe maintained that the party would not be distracted by what he described as allegations capable of creating unnecessary tension within its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the NDC remained committed to democratic processes, internal accountability, and the rule of law, adding that members with genuine grievances should use the appropriate channels to seek redress.
Key points
- Teddy Obe denies allegations of threatening Ceejay Ezebuiro's life and demanding N150m.
- Obe challenges Ezebuiro to provide evidence to support his claims.
- The NDC leadership remains committed to resolving disputes through internal mechanisms and the courts.
