A senatorial aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Blessing Ugbo, has taken legal action against the party's Abia Central Senatorial District chapter. Ugbo claims she emerged victorious in the party's primary election but was unfairly denied the Senate ticket. According to her, the party's primary was held on May 29, 2026, and she participated fully, deploying agents to various local government areas.
Ugbo, who hails from Obakala clan in Umuahia South Local Government Area, said she purchased the Expression of Interest form on May 13, 2026, and was screened by a panel chaired by former Governor Sam Egwu on May 20, 2026. She alleged that after the screening, some aspirants who had obtained House of Representatives forms attempted to "upgrade" to the Senate. The party then advised aspirants from the same constituency to seek consensus or participate in primaries.
The primary election was initially scheduled for May 28 but was rescheduled to May 29, 2026, due to flight constraints. Ugbo claims she won in several local government areas, including Umuahia South, Umuahia North, Ikwuano, and Isiala Ngwa North, with video evidence to support her claims. However, she alleged that there was no designated venue for Isiala Ngwa South, while the venue in Osisioma was changed, resulting in no senatorial primary being conducted.
Despite her claims of winning the primary, Ugbo was surprised to learn that Senator Nkechi Nwogu had been given the ticket by consensus. She disputes this, stating she never withdrew from the race and did not give her consent for a consensus. According to Ugbo, the party had directed that results would be declared in Abuja, and winners would be given nomination forms.
Ugbo approached the court to reclaim the mandate she claims was given to her by the people of Abia Central. She argues that as a new party, the NDC may have made mistakes, but she cannot ignore the mandate given to her by her constituents. The matter is scheduled for hearing at the Federal High Court on October 8.
Ugbo also alleges that Senator Nkechi Nwogu, who was given the ticket, is still a member of the All Progressives Congress, as per the membership register uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The Supreme Court has previously clarified this issue. The NDC Publicity Secretary in Abia State, Mr. Emeka Lious, promised to provide the party's position but has yet to do so.
The case has sparked controversy within the NDC, with Ugbo insisting that she will not relinquish her claim to the Senate ticket. The court's decision will likely have implications for the party's internal dynamics and the upcoming elections. Key parties involved are awaiting the court's ruling on October 8.
Key points
- Blessing Ugbo claims she won the NDC's Abia Central Senate primary but was denied the ticket.
- Ugbo alleges that Senator Nkechi Nwogu, who was given the ticket, is still a member of the All Progressives Congress.
- The matter is scheduled for hearing at the Federal High Court on October 8.
