The National Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, South-East, Mr Teddy Obe, has denied allegations made by the party's House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Mr Ceejay Ezebuiro. Ezebuiro claimed that party national leaders threatened his life and demanded money from him to retain his ticket. Obe described the allegations as serious and unfounded.
Obe urged Ezebuiro to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims, particularly the allegation that party officials demanded N150 million from him or plotted to eliminate him. He said the allegation was not only a serious accusation against individuals named in the report but also one capable of damaging the reputation of the party and its leadership. Obe made this statement available to PUNCH online on Sunday.
Obe specifically denied demanding any money from Ezebuiro, either personally or on behalf of the NDC. He challenged Ezebuiro to produce evidence of any alleged payment, including the purported transaction into a private account. Obe also rejected the claim that he participated in any plan to force Ezebuiro to surrender his ticket to another aspirant.
According to Obe, party primaries and disputes arising from them are governed by the party's internal procedures and the applicable electoral laws. He added that no individual has the authority to unilaterally transfer a ticket already legitimately won by a candidate. Obe challenged Ezebuiro to make public evidence of the alleged meeting where he claimed that party leaders demanded money from him.
Obe said the claim that $10 million was allegedly paid in cash was particularly weighty and should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than media statements. He urged Ezebuiro to retract the statement within 14 days or face legal action. Obe also challenged Ezebuiro to produce evidence of the alleged payment into any private account and identify the account holder.
The NDC chieftain further called on Ezebuiro to substantiate his claim that he had already been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the party's candidate. Obe noted that the legal status of any disputed nomination should be determined from the relevant INEC records and applicable court processes. He maintained that the party would not be distracted by what he described as allegations capable of creating unnecessary tension within its ranks.
Earlier, Ezebuiro accused the South-East zonal leaders of the party of making death threats to his life if he refused to give up the ticket of the party or pays the sum of N150 million to them. The leaders, he claimed, included its National Vice-Chairman, Teddy Obe, National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan, Chief Martin Agbaso and former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa. Ezebuiro made the allegations to a select group of newsmen in Owerri.
Key points
- Teddy Obe denies allegations of threatening Ceejay Ezebuiro's life and demanding money from him.
- Obe challenges Ezebuiro to provide evidence to substantiate his claims.
- The NDC leadership remains committed to resolving legitimate disputes through established internal mechanisms and the courts.
