Delta NDC Crisis Deepens Over Alleged Substitution of Aniocha South Assembly Winner

A major political storm is brewing within the Delta State chapter of the National Democracy Congress (NDC) following accusations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated candidate lists for the upcoming state assembly elections.

The controversy centers on the Aniocha South constituency, where tension has reached a boiling point over the alleged swapping of the legitimate primary winner.

Sources disclosed that Jeffrey Ugochukwu Adigwe, who secured a decisive victory during the party congress, was unlawfully replaced by Onochie Osheokwu, a candidate who finished fourth in the polls.

The official primary results were: Jeffrey Ugochukwu Adigwe (286 votes), Junior Okeleke (221 votes), Igwe Onnefa (170 votes), Onochie Osheokwu (140 votes), and Myke Enebuwa (120 votes).

The maneuver has triggered fierce resistance from local youths, elders, and party loyalists who accuse the national party hierarchy in Abuja of colluding with external political actors and electoral officials to subvert the democratic choice of the electorate.

Confirming his next steps, Adigwe stated that he has instructed his legal representatives to challenge the substitution through judicial channels.

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Emphasizing his dedication to the party, he maintained that he remains resolute in reclaiming the mandate entrusted to him by the constituents.

“I am a party man and I have no fight with my party. The people have spoken, and I stand firmly with my people. I remain committed to pursuing our mandate through lawful and constitutional means,” Adigwe stated.

Civil society voices and community members have expressed deep frustration over the development. Comrade Victor Obokoh warned that overriding the electorate’s choice disenfranchises the voting population of Aniocha South, while party member Isioma Azubuike cautioned that aggrieved members might resort to boycotting the upcoming polls entirely.

Comrade Victor Obokoh, a resident, condemned the move, stating, “In Aniocha South, the people have spoken clearly. They have picked Jeffrey Ugochukwu Adigwe to represent them at the Delta State House of Assembly. To abuse or overturn those votes is to tell every man, woman, and youth in Aniocha South that their voice does not matter.”

Another party member, Isioma Azubuike, labeled the substitution unacceptable, warning that members would boycott the party in the upcoming assembly elections if the decision is not reversed.

Pressure is also mounting on national figures within the party, with stakeholders urging high-level intervention to restore the authentic candidate and protect party unity ahead of the broader 2027 electoral cycle.

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Specifically, Azubuike called on the party’s leadership and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to intervene, restore Adigwe’s mandate, and secure the party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Human rights advocate Victor Anyali also criticized the substitution, calling it a direct affront to democratic principles. He noted that the primary was conducted transparently by INEC officials and clearly reflected the preference of the electorate for Adigwe.

At the time of this report, constituents are planning a massive protest to the state headquarters in Asaba and other relevant agencies, threatening to boycott state assembly, federal, and presidential elections if the decision is not reversed.