MULADE DEMANDS N5 BILLION DAMAGES FROM NDC OVER ALLEGED SUBSTITUTION OF PRIMARY ELECTION VICTORY

Warri – 

Renowned peace and development advocate, environmental rights activist, and winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives primary election for Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has slammed the party with a N5 billion damages claim over what he described as the unlawful substitution of his victory with an alleged appointment process.

Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, expressed shock and disappointment over the party's decision to disregard the outcome of its duly conducted primary election and allegedly replace it with a selection process based on nomination form purchases.

According to him, the action by the party contradicts the democratic principles it professes to uphold.

"We were taken aback by the actions of the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party many Nigerians had viewed as a beacon of hope capable of addressing the numerous challenges facing our nation. Unfortunately, recent developments suggest that the party may have deviated from the democratic ideals that inspired many of us to join it," he stated.

Mulade noted that he holds the leadership of the NDC, particularly its National Leader, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high regard. However, he expressed concern that certain interests may have influenced the party's leadership into abandoning the outcome of a lawful and valid primary election.

"It is difficult to comprehend how a political party can set aside the result of a transparent primary election and instead adopt a process that appears to favour the highest bidder through nomination form purchases. Such actions undermine internal democracy and erode public confidence in the electoral process," he said.

The Niger Delta activist stressed that Nigerians are increasingly weary of political parties that fail to uphold democratic values and accountability.

"Nigerians are tired of political parties that continue to disappoint citizens during every election cycle. Political parties must be driven by clear ideologies, integrity, and a genuine commitment to national development. If there were provisions for independent candidacy, many Nigerians would readily embrace that option," he added.

Mulade appealed to the leadership of the NDC to reconsider its decision and restore confidence in the party by respecting the outcome of the primary election.

"I strongly urge the leadership of the NDC to retrace its steps and do what is right if the party truly intends to make a meaningful impact in the 2027 general elections. The NDC stands at a critical moment in its history and has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to fairness, justice, and democratic principles," he said.

He further cautioned that the party must not allow itself to be perceived as misleading Nigerians who are seeking credible alternatives to the existing political order.

"I want to believe that the NDC's platform for the 2027 general elections is not intended to become a 'one chance' vehicle for unsuspecting Nigerians, but rather a genuine platform dedicated to rescuing and rebuilding our battered nation," Mulade concluded.