A Niger Delta environmental activist and aspirant for the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Sheriff Mulade, has threatened to institute legal action against the Nigeria Democratic Congress over the party’s alleged decision to discard the outcome of its primary election.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, said he would be demanding ₦5 billion in damages over what he described as an alleged infraction arising from the party’s decision to abandon the primary process in favour of an “unknown selection or appointment process.”
The rights activist made the allegation in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.
According to him, he was shocked by the development, especially because many Nigerians had viewed the newly registered NDC as a political platform capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
“We were taken aback by the newly registered party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which many Nigerians considered a saviour capable of addressing the numerous challenges confronting our dear nation,” Mulade said.
He alleged that the party’s conduct suggested that the platform had become a vehicle for “placeholders” and persons allegedly gambling with Nigeria’s political future.
“Little did we know that the NDC vehicle we boarded was mainly for what looks more like placeholders, gambling with Nigerians’ future,” he added.
Mulade said he was particularly concerned that the party allegedly abandoned the outcome of the primary election and resorted to a candidate-selection process allegedly influenced by those who paid the highest amount for nomination forms.
He described the development as unacceptable and vowed to challenge it in court.
“We are hereby proceeding to court with a ₦5 billion damages claim over the infraction,” he stated.
While noting that he held the leadership of the NDC, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high esteem, Mulade alleged that the leadership appeared to have been overwhelmed by resources from some individuals under the guise of donations, contributions and nomination form sales.
He said the alleged development had created concern among aspirants and supporters who participated in the party’s process with the expectation that internal democracy would be respected.
Mulade maintained that the party must be held accountable if it failed to respect the outcome of its primary election and the legitimate expectations of aspirants who took part in the process.
