By: Manoah Kikekon
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Serious concerns are mounting within the newly consolidated Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as aspirants raise alarms over potential internal sabotage threatening to derail the party's primary process. Allegations have emerged suggesting that select members within the National Working Committee (NWC) are attempting to exploit the screening exercise for personal enrichment.
Insiders warn that demanding financial kickbacks and illicit favors in exchange for cleared statuses risks turning the screening into a transactional, “cash-and-carry” affair, which could ultimately sideline credible, high-value candidates and destroy the party's institutional credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adding to the internal friction, separate reports indicate that specific factions within the NDC hierarchy are allegedly attempting to hijack committee placements and party spaces to disproportionately favor individuals of Igbo extraction.
While party stakeholders acknowledge that equity and regional inclusivity are vital for a modern political coalition, critics argue that any calculated attempt to ethnicize party positions will trigger dangerous tribal divides. If left unchecked, this localized factionalism could severely weaken the NDC's national appeal and alienate key voting blocs across other geopolitical zones.
Amid these brewing tensions, significant praise has been directed toward the leader of the party, H.E. Senator Seriake Dickson, for his stabilizing role during this high-stakes transition. His strategic nomination of former Ebonyi State Governor, H.E. Senator Sam Egwu, as the Chairman of the NDC National Screening Committee has been widely commended.
The appointment of a respected veteran has successfully restored a measure of confidence among nervous aspirants, reassuring party faithful that a fair and unbiased vetting process is achievable.
“The leadership shown by Senator Dickson in placing Senator Sam Egwu at the helm of this screening committee is a massive step forward,” stated a ranking party stakeholder close to the NWC. “It sends a clear signal that the party wants to run a credible, transparent process that members can trust, which is exactly what we need to protect our image as we prepare to face the ruling APC.”
The need for absolute institutional integrity is more critical than ever, following the historic clearance of H.E. Peter Obi as the NDC’s sole presidential aspirant. However, top political analysts argue that optimism alone will not safeguard the party from malicious internal actors.
To prevent corrupt elements within the leadership from completely rubbishing the screening exercise with bias and extortion, the NDC must urgently introduce independent, rigorous oversight alongside a strictly confidential, safe channel for reporting administrative misconduct.