WARRI/Nigeria: A renowned Niger Delta peace and development advocate, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of abandoning the outcome of its House of Representatives primary election for Warri Federal Constituency and replacing it with what he described as an “appointment process,” demanding N5 billion in damages from the party.
Mulade, a human rights activist and the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, said he was shocked by the party’s decision despite emerging winner of the Warri Federal Constituency primary election conducted by the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Warri, Mulade alleged that the party had jettisoned the outcome of a validly conducted primary election in favour of a candidate selected through what he described as a process tied to the highest bidder in nomination form purchases.
The environmental rights advocate expressed disappointment with the development, noting that many Nigerians had viewed the newly registered political party as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s political and socio-economic challenges.
“We were taken aback by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a party many Nigerians considered a potential vehicle for change and national redemption. Unfortunately, recent events have raised serious concerns about the party’s commitment to democratic principles and internal justice,” he said.
Mulade stated that he had joined the NDC with the belief that it would provide a platform driven by genuine ideologies and a commitment to national development rather than the politics of patronage and financial influence.
According to him, the decision to allegedly disregard the outcome of the primary election undermines the democratic process and sends the wrong signal to Nigerians seeking credible political alternatives.
The Warri Federal Constituency aspirant said he still holds the National Leader of the party, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high regard, but expressed concern that some elements within the party may have influenced decisions through financial contributions and nomination form purchases.
“I have immense respect for Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other leaders of the party. However, it appears that certain interests may have overwhelmed the principles upon which the party was founded. It is unacceptable for a political party to appoint a candidate when a duly conducted primary election has already produced a winner,” he stated.
Mulade lamented what he described as a recurring trend among political parties to manipulate electoral processes, stressing that Nigerians were increasingly frustrated with actions that undermine democratic values.
He urged the leadership of the NDC to retrace its steps and uphold the integrity of the primary election process if it genuinely hopes to earn the confidence of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The party stands at a critical point in its history. It has an opportunity to demonstrate that it is different from the traditional political platforms Nigerians have become disillusioned with. Doing the right thing now will help preserve its credibility and public trust,” he said.
Mulade further warned that Nigerians would not support any political platform perceived as engaging in practices that contradict the principles of fairness, transparency and internal democracy.
“I want to believe that the NDC is not intended to become another ‘one chance’ vehicle for unsuspecting Nigerians, but rather a genuine platform for salvaging our country and providing the leadership needed to move the nation forward,” he added.
He maintained that his legal action seeking N5 billion in damages was aimed at defending democratic principles and protecting the sanctity of party primaries and the electoral process.
