Nsukka: Aspirants and stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu North Senatorial District have called for a transparent and credible process ahead of its 2027 National Assembly (NASS) election primaries. The group made the call in a communiqu© issued on Wednesday after a meeting held by members of the group in Abuja on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders had at the meeting passed a vote of confidence on the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, commending his leadership and commitment to building the party in the state. “We pledge support for any transparent and acceptable process adopted by the party leadership under Nwodo,” the communique read. They insisted that internal democracy must remain the foundation of the party and warned against alleged candidate imposition in the zone.
The group also expressed concerns over alleged political maneuvering by former lawmaker Dr. Patrick Asadu, aimed at imposing candidates on the party ahead of the 2027 NASS primary elections, saying such actions could undermine confidence in the party. “The party leadership must be cautious in its dealings with Asadu, who is a potential political liability in the zone.” The group maintained that his alleged strained relationship with some constituents and claims of underwhelming performance during his 16 years in the House of Representatives could affect the fortunes of the party.
“If the NDC eventually settles for Dr. Pat Asadu as its candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District in spite of the concerns raised, many aspirants across the various elective positions may be compelled to withdraw their participation and support from the party. The adoption of any unpopular candidate could trigger protests and withdrawal of support by some aspirants in protest against unfair and compromised processes.”
The communique further highlighted the significance of the Nsukka Zone as a major voting bloc in Enugu State, advising against any political decisions that could negatively impact the party’s electoral prospects. “Political success in the zone depends on grassroots acceptance, integrity, and credibility rather than financial influence. We recall the strong performance of Labour Party in the zone during the 2023 general elections, which is evidence of the people’s resistance to imposed candidates.”
Reacting, Asadu denied allegations that he was attempting to influence the emergence of candidates in the zone. “I am not interested in any innuendo about the leadership of the NDC in Enugu State by anyone at all,” he said. Asadu, while defending his record in office as a lawmaker, said he initiated road projects, distributed vehicles, and provided free medical services during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
“I have never contested any senatorial primary election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and I have never been a member of the Labour Party. Assessment of my performance should be left to the people of Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency whom I represented. I only represented Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South and only the people I represented can judge me objectively,” he said.
Asadu alleged that claims linking him to the imposition of candidates were false and politically motivated. He said the NDC remained open to all Nigerians and that no individual could be denied the constitutional right to join any political party of choice. The former lawmaker also dismissed allegations of breaching zoning arrangements in Enugu North Senatorial District, saying he was unaware of any such agreement.