The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Ebonyi Central Senatorial Primary Election descended into confusion and controversy on Saturday as supporters of two leading aspirants, Christian Asaga Nwali also known as “C-Sagas” and Chief Ifeanyi Odoh, separately declared victory in the keenly contested exercise.
The dramatic development has thrown party members and supporters into uncertainty, with both camps insisting that their respective candidates emerged victorious at the end of the primary election.
Sources at the venue of the exercise disclosed that tension heightened shortly after voting and collation processes commenced, as disagreements reportedly emerged over the conduct of the election and the authenticity of results being announced by different party officials.
While supporters of “C-Sagas” celebrated what they described as a decisive victory, the camp of Chief Ifeanyi Odoh also rejected such claims and maintained that their candidate secured the highest number of valid votes cast during the primary.
The conflicting declarations sparked confusion among delegates, party faithful, and observers, with many calling on the national leadership of the NDC to immediately intervene and clarify the true outcome of the exercise.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of jubilation and protests from supporters of both aspirants, as each side accused the other of attempting to manipulate the outcome of the primary election.
As of the time of filing this report, the official position of the NDC National Electoral Committee on the disputed primary election had not been made public.
Political analysts believe that the manner in which the party resolves the emerging crisis could significantly impact its chances in the forthcoming senatorial election in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District.
Party members and stakeholders are now awaiting an official declaration from the NDC leadership to determine who will eventually fly the party’s flag for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial seat.
Further details are expected as the situation continues to unfold.
