ASABA/Nigeria: Former House of Assembly aspirant for Ethiope East Constituency, Chief Dr. Mrs. Mercy Eguriase Sule, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of abandoning democratic principles through alleged ticket manipulation and nepotism.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State, Chief Sule alleged that the NDC failed to conduct a legitimate primary election in Ethiope East Local Government Area, claiming that the party’s House of Assembly ticket was awarded based on family connections rather than a transparent electoral process.
The prominent humanitarian leader and Diaspora Ambassador alleged that a rival aspirant, Mr. Aghwarianovwe Ikie, orchestrated the disruption of the primary election by sponsoring thugs to halt the exercise in anticipation of defeat.
According to her, the party’s governorship candidate influenced the emergence of the House of Assembly candidate because of a family relationship with the aspirant.
“Mr. Ikie is the in-law to the NDC governorship candidate. That is the sole reason he was handed the party’s ticket. He knew he was not going to win a fair primary election, so he sponsored thugs to disrupt the process and relied on political influence to secure the ticket,” she alleged.
Chief Sule said although she still holds the party’s national leadership, as well as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, in high regard, the developments at the state level made it impossible for her to remain in the NDC.
She maintained that she could not continue to identify with a political platform that, in her view, failed to uphold democratic values and internal party democracy.
“The reason many people are contesting elections today is simply to grab power and personal benefits. I cannot align myself with a political party whose values do not reflect genuine democratic principles,” she stated.
Announcing her defection to the NNPP, Chief Sule expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for the warm reception accorded her, promising to contribute significantly to its growth and grassroots expansion in Delta State.
She also declared her intention to contest the Ethiope East State Constituency seat in 2027 under the platform of the NNPP, assuring constituents of effective and people-oriented representation if elected.
Turning her attention to governance and development challenges in Ethiope East, the former aspirant criticized what she described as the lack of economic planning and opportunities for residents, particularly young people.
She lamented the worsening socio-economic conditions in the constituency, noting that many parents are compelled to exhaust their life savings and dispose of personal assets to finance their children’s education, only for graduates to remain unemployed after completing their studies.
According to her, the absence of meaningful employment opportunities has left many youths frustrated and uncertain about their future, while increasing economic hardship has pushed some women into prostitution and others into various forms of criminal activities to survive.
Chief Sule pledged to champion empowerment programmes, youth development initiatives and economic opportunities for residents of Ethiope East if given the mandate to represent them in the Delta State House of Assembly.
She urged her supporters to remain steadfast and optimistic, assuring them that better days lie ahead.
“I am committed to addressing the needs of the people of Ethiope East. Together, we can bring about the change our people deserve,” she said.
