Primary results must reflect grassroots verdict, Anambra group tells NDC

Concerned Political Observers in Anambra State have called on the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to ensure that the final results of its ongoing primary elections accurately reflect the outcomes recorded at the various voting centres across the state.

A statement by the Chairman of the group, Julius Okoye, noted that the primaries have produced a number of candidates expected to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming elections, while stressing that the credibility of the exercise would ultimately be judged by the extent to which the officially declared results align with votes cast by party members under the Option A4 system.

Observers said aspirants were directed by the party leadership to return to their constituencies and participate in the open-ballot process, which allows party members to publicly indicate their preferred candidates.

The group reported that Ifeanyi William Iwuchukwu emerged as the party’s candidate for the Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency, while Eric Ayamene secured the ticket for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

It further stated that Ofumelu Vincent Ekene emerged as the candidate for the Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency, while Udekaigbo Chibuzo clinched the party’s nomination for the Ihiala Federal Constituency.

In the Anambra South Senatorial District, Ebuka Onunkwo was also reported to have secured the party’s ticket following the conclusion of the primary process.

Political attention, according to the observers, has been particularly focused on the Anambra Central Senatorial District, where Pastor Nonso Nwabueze Oli was reported to have defeated other contestants, including incumbent Senator Victor Umeh. The group, however, noted that the outcome remains subject to official confirmation and ratification by the appropriate organs of the party.

The observers also reported that Tony Nwoye emerged unopposed in a separate contest, further shaping the NDC’s lineup ahead of the elections.

While acknowledging the emergence of the various candidates, the group stressed that the overriding issue remains the integrity of the process and the need for the final declarations to mirror the results obtained at the grassroots voting centres.

The statement noted that the primaries have generated considerable interest and debate among party members and political stakeholders across Anambra State, particularly on the role of grassroots participation in determining party candidates.

“The credibility of the exercise will be strengthened if the final results released by the party faithfully reflect the outcomes recorded at the various voting centres,” the observers stated, urging all stakeholders to uphold transparency and fairness throughout the process.

The group added that political observers are closely monitoring the conclusion of the primaries and the subsequent ratification process, expressing hope that the final outcome will reinforce confidence in the party’s internal democratic mechanisms.

It noted that the coming days would provide greater clarity as the NDC completes its internal procedures and formally unveils its candidates for the next electoral contest.