Reps aspirant sues NDC, demands N5bn over alleged cancellation of primary

By Margaret Abah

A House of Representatives aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the Warri Federal Constituency, Sheriff Mulade, has filed a N5 billion damages claim against the party over what he described as the alleged abandonment of its primary election process.

Mulade, an environmental activist and the Ibe-Sorimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, accused the party of replacing the outcome of the primary election with what he termed an “unknown selection or appointment process.”

In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Warri on Monday, the aspirant said he was shocked by the party’s decision, alleging that the candidate-selection process was influenced by the highest bidders for nomination forms.

“We were taken aback by the newly registered party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which many Nigerians considered a platform capable of addressing the numerous challenges confronting the nation,” he said.

“Little did we know that the NDC vehicle we boarded was mainly for what looks more like placeholders, gambling with Nigerians’ future.”

Mulade disclosed that he had commenced legal action against the party, seeking N5 billion in damages over what he described as an infraction.

“We are hereby proceeding to court with a N5 billion damages claim over the infraction,” he stated.

The human rights activist, however, said he still held the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in high regard, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

He alleged that the party leadership appeared to have been influenced by financial contributions and proceeds from the sale of nomination forms.

According to him, certain individuals with vested interests may have used donations and contributions to sway the party’s decision-making process.

The NDC had yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.