ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A Niger Delta environmental activist and aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), for the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat, Sheriff Mulade, has instituted a N5 billion damages claim against the party over what he described as the alleged abandonment of its primary election process.
Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe-Sorimowei of the oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, accused the party of discarding the outcome of its primary election in favour of what he termed an “unknown selection or appointment process.”
The aspirant said he was shocked by the development, alleging that the party suddenly embraced a candidate-selection method that appeared to reward the highest purchaser of nomination forms.
His position was contained in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.
Expressing disappointment, Mulade said he and many other Nigerians had viewed the newly registered party as a credible platform capable of addressing the country’s numerous socio-political and economic challenges.
“We were taken aback by the newly registered party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which many Nigerians considered a saviour capable of addressing the numerous challenges confronting our dear nation,” he stated.
According to him, expectations that the party would offer a fresh political direction have been undermined by actions that suggest otherwise.
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“Little did we know that the NDC vehicle we boarded was mainly for what looks more like placeholders, gambling with Nigerians’ future,” Mulade added.
The activist disclosed that legal proceedings had already been initiated against the party over the alleged irregularities.
“We are hereby proceeding to court with a N5 billion damages claim over the infraction,” he declared.
Despite his criticism, Mulade said he still held the leadership of the party in high regard, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
However, he alleged that the party’s leadership may have succumbed to the influence of wealthy interests operating under the guise of donations, contributions and the purchase of nomination forms.
While stopping short of naming any individuals, Mulade claimed that financial inducements appeared to have overshadowed internal democratic processes within the party.
According to him, “the leadership seemed to have been overwhelmed by resources from certain Nigerians with deliberate intentions, in the guise of donations, contributions and nomination form sales.”
The lawsuit marks the latest controversy surrounding candidate selection processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Mulade insisting that the court should determine the legality of the actions taken by the party leadership.