A growing political disagreement has emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo State over the process of selecting a candidate for the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency ahead of the next election cycle.
While party leadership continues efforts to manage internal consensus-building, one aspirant and a group of concerned stakeholders are calling for a full primary election, insisting that the process must remain open, fair, and transparent.
Barr. Blessing Osato Osawe, an aspirant for the Orhionmwion/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency seat, has formally declared that she does not support any form of imposed or pre-arranged consensus candidate selection.
In a statement addressed to the national and state leadership of the party, as well as local government party structures, she emphasized that the selection of a candidate must be left to a democratic primary process.
She argued that every qualified aspirant should be given equal opportunity to contest, in line with the principles of internal democracy within the party.
The aspirant referenced the position of the party’s national leadership, noting that where consensus cannot be genuinely reached among stakeholders, a primary election should be conducted.
According to her, this position aligns with the broader democratic values of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which emphasize fairness, participation, and internal transparency.
She stressed that the people of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde deserve the right to participate in choosing their representative through a credible electoral process rather than behind-the-scenes agreements.
In a related petition, a group describing themselves as concerned stakeholders, party members, youths, and supporters of democracy within the constituency also raised objections to what they described as irregularities in the candidate selection process.
The group expressed concern that certain individuals may be attempting to impose a preferred candidate without broad consultation or consensus among party members.
They described such actions as contrary to democratic principles and the party’s constitution, warning that it could weaken trust and unity within the constituency.
The stakeholders called on the national leadership of the NDC to urgently intervene in the matter and ensure that a transparent primary election is conducted.
They insisted that only a properly organized and inclusive process can reflect the true wishes of party members across Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde.
According to the petition, the credibility of the party and the confidence of its supporters depend on ensuring fairness in internal elections.
The petition was addressed to the National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, urging the party to safeguard its internal democratic process and prevent any form of candidate imposition.
It further appealed for unity within the party, stressing that fairness and justice in the selection process would strengthen public confidence and party cohesion.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within political parties over the balance between consensus-building and internal democracy.
As the NDC prepares for upcoming electoral activities, attention is now focused on how the party leadership will handle the concerns raised in Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde and whether a primary election will ultimately be conducted.
For now, aspirants and stakeholders continue to call for a transparent, fair, and credible process that allows party members to freely choose their preferred candidate.
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