Osaro PhD, Csu.@OfficiaEdoOsasB
LETTER OF PROTEST AGAINST THE ALLEGED NDC PRIMARY ELECTION AND IMPOSITION OF CANDIDATES
I write to formally register my strongest protest and dissatisfaction over the purported primary election and the subsequent publication of candidates by the leadership of the NDC.
As an aspirant who faithfully complied with all directives of the party, I find it necessary to ask a number of questions which the party leadership owes members, supporters, and stakeholders clear answers.
The party directed aspirants to purchase Expression of Interest Forms, pay the prescribed party dues, and campaign vigorously within their various constituencies. Aspirants invested their time, resources, and energy in promoting the ideals of the party and mobilizing support at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, aspirants were encouraged by party leaders to engage in consultations and dialogue with a view to arriving at consensus candidates. However, when the consensus arrangement failed to produce an acceptable outcome, the leadership directed aspirants to proceed to their respective Local Government Areas for the conduct of primary elections at approximately 3:45 p.m.
In compliance with that directive, several aspirants immediately travelled to their various LGAs. To our utmost surprise, upon arrival at the designated venues, there were no electoral panels, no election officials, no accreditation of delegates, no voting exercise, and no result collation process.
This development raises serious concerns and compels us to ask the following questions:
1. Where and when were the alleged primary elections conducted?
2. Who constituted the electoral panels that supervised the exercise?
3. Which delegates participated in the process?
4. Where are the accreditation records and result sheets?
5. On what basis were certain individuals declared winners and subsequently listed as candidates of the party?
To the best of our knowledge, no transparent, credible, and verifiable primary election was conducted across the five Local Government Areas of Edo Central Senatorial District. Consequently, the emergence of candidates without a visible democratic process undermines the principles of internal democracy and contradicts the values of justice, fairness, and equity which the NDC publicly professes.
It is deeply disappointing that a party founded on the principles of fairness and inclusion would allow a few individuals to monopolize the decision-making process and impose candidates on party members. No single individual has the moral or political authority to determine the destiny of five Local Government Areas or to substitute personal preferences for the collective will of party members.
We therefore reject any process that lacks transparency, accountability, and legitimacy. We demand the immediate publication of all documents, records, and results relating to the alleged primary elections to enable party members verify the authenticity of the exercise.
Failure to address these concerns satisfactorily may leave aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders with no option but to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues available to protect their rights and preserve the integrity of the democratic process.
As consultations continue among concerned stakeholders, we wish to make it clear that members are not without political alternatives. The options before us are becoming increasingly evident:
1. APC 4 + 4 + 4 = ?
2. ADC Candidacy.
The leadership of the party must decide whether to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and equity or bear responsibility for the consequences of actions that continue to alienate dedicated party members and supporters.
This letter serves as a formal protest and a demand for transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
Yours in the struggle for justice and fairness,
Nelson Osas Akpukpula
AKA: NextGovernor
EDHA Prospective Candidate, Esan South East Constituency
Ward 03 (Ewatto)