The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) may be headed for a legal showdown in Cross River State following the controversial appearance of Ken Egbas in the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency primary election despite his alleged absence from the party’s list of screened aspirants.
The development has sparked outrage among party stakeholders, who describe the situation as a serious breach of the party’s established nomination procedures and a development capable of undermining confidence in the party’s internal democratic process ahead of the general elections.
A screening document obtained by this reporter indicates that Dr. Tawo Obah Edom was the only aspirant cleared by the party to contest the Obubra/Etung House of Representatives ticket. Party members argue that under such circumstances, the sole cleared aspirant ought to have been affirmed and adopted as the party’s candidate by stakeholders in line with party guidelines.
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However, the appearance of Ken Egbas during the May 29 primary election has generated widespread controversy, with party faithful questioning how an individual whose name allegedly did not appear on the screening list was allowed to participate in the process.
Aggrieved stakeholders contend that the development not only raises questions about adherence to party rules but also exposes the NDC to possible litigation that could jeopardize its preparations for the general elections. Some members warned that failure to address the controversy could damage the party’s image and provide ammunition to political opponents at a time when it should be consolidating support among voters.
“The integrity of any primary election begins with the screening process. If persons who were not cleared are allowed to participate, then the credibility of the entire exercise becomes questionable,” a stakeholder familiar with the process said.
Party members are said to be consulting legal advisers with a view to challenging the outcome of the primary election unless the party leadership provides a satisfactory explanation for the circumstances surrounding Ken Egbas’s participation.
Observers say the controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a straightforward affirmation exercise, given that the screening document showed only one cleared aspirant for the constituency. They warn that unresolved disputes arising from party primaries have historically resulted in costly litigation and political setbacks for parties heading into elections.
As pressure mounts on the party leadership to clarify the situation, stakeholders insist that transparency and strict adherence to party rules remain essential to preserving the NDC’s credibility and public trust ahead of the polls.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the NDC leadership and Ken Egbas were unsuccessful as of press time.
