More Trouble for NDC as Ward Leaders, Stakeholders Reject Candidate Imposition, Demand Respect for Primary Outcome
Amidst its struggle against its deregistration as ordered by an Abuja Federal High Court, more woes faced the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its 12 Ward Chairmen and Ward Executive members in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State announced their rejection of the imposition of a candidate.
In a petition to the party’s State Executive Committee dated June 22, 2026, the leaders and stakeholders claim that a certain individual who did not emerge from its State House of Assembly officially conducted primary was allegedly recognized as its flag bearer for the 2027 polls.
The ward leaders said their action was aimed at defending internal democracy, fairness, transparency, and the collective decision of accredited delegates who participated in the May 29, 2026 primary election.
According to the petition, the Bonny LGA primary election was conducted under the supervision of the Bonny LGA Party Executive Committee led by the LGA Chairman, Hon. Dr. Larry Ibaningo.
They stated that the exercise was monitored by representatives of the state chapter of the party, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), accredited delegates, party stakeholders, youth and women leaders, as well as observers.
The petitioners maintained that the primary election was peaceful, transparent and conducted in line with the party’s guidelines, adding that the process was documented through photographs, video recordings, attendance registers, accreditation records and other official materials.
They explained that three aspirants had initially indicated interest in the party’s ticket for the Bonny State Constituency seat, namely Michael Pepple, Sodienye Amah Pepple and Godswill Abbey.
However, they alleged that only Michael Pepple and Sodienye Amah Pepple participated in the primary election, insisting that Godswill Abbey was absent from the exercise conducted by the Bonny LGA party structure.
The ward leaders further stated that after voting by accredited delegates, Sodienye Amah Pepple emerged as the winner and was declared the party’s candidate for the Rivers State House of Assembly seat representing Bonny Constituency.
They expressed concern that despite the outcome of the primary election, the state chapter of the party was recognising Godswill Abbey as its candidate, a development they said had generated dissatisfaction among party members across the twelve wards of Bonny LGA.
According to the petitioners, the recognition of a different candidate undermines the wishes of accredited delegates, raises questions about the credibility of the primary election, and threatens party unity, grassroots confidence and internal democracy.
They therefore called on the State Executive Committee to review all records relating to the May 29 primary election, including reports from party officials, INEC representatives, security agencies, delegates and stakeholders, as well as video evidence, photographs and accreditation documents.
The ward leaders urged the party to uphold the outcome of the Bonny LGA primary election by recognising Sodienye Amah Pepple as the duly elected candidate and taking necessary steps to restore confidence in the party’s democratic processes.
Copies of the petition were also addressed to the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, the Bonny LGA Chairman and other party stakeholders.
Efforts by Kristina Reports to have the reaction of the State Chairman of the party, Success Jack was yet unsuccessful as he was yet to answer calls to his mobile line or respond to messages sent him via WhatsApp.
