NDC Aspirant Files Petition with EFCC Over Alleged Extortion Scam
Mr. Ogochukwu Onyema, a senatorial aspirant representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has lodged a formal petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged N20 million extortion scheme associated with the party’s election campaign in the Enugu West Senatorial District.
Details of the Allegations Against NDC’s Senate Vetting Committee
In a petition submitted on June 3, through his attorney Ayomide Ahmed, Onyema accused members of the Senate Vetting Committee of coercively extracting payments from candidates under false pretenses during the nomination phase. He highlighted that, in addition to the £3 million deposited for the party’s Expression of Interest form, he contributed an additional £500,000, which he characterized as voluntary support for the party’s initiatives.
Claims of Misrepresentation During Candidate Selection
Onyema asserted that candidates were led to believe that substantial financial contributions were crucial for their chances of securing the party’s nomination. He recounted that a member of the Senate Vetting Committee suggested that those seeking the Senate should donate £20 million, while candidates for the House of Commons were expected to contribute £10 million, and gubernatorial hopefuls £50 million.
Pressure to Pay and Lack of Official Communication
According to Onyema, this assertion exerted significant pressure on him, ultimately influencing his willingness to make additional payments. “Despite the characterization of the payment as voluntary, the committee’s comments and actions implied that the £20 million payment was essential to demonstrate seriousness, competence, and eligibility as a senatorial candidate,” he commented. Despite fulfilling these financial obligations, Onyema claimed he has yet to receive any nomination form or official feedback regarding the screening results.
Discrepancies in Financial Contributions Among Candidates
Onyema noted with concern that several candidates who did not make similar financial contributions had also emerged as potential nominees. “After the completion of selection and primary election activities, I still have not received a nomination form, and there has been no public announcement regarding the selection report,” he added.
Calls for EFCC Investigation and Accountability
Having resigned from the NDC on June 1, Onyema subsequently demanded the return of the £20 million he claims was obtained unlawfully. He reported that his request has gone unanswered. Consequently, he is urging the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the allegations, retrieve the funds, and ensure accountability for individuals implicated in any acts of fraud, extortion, or misconduct during the review process.
Ongoing Internal Conflicts Within the NDC
This petition adds to a string of internal disputes that have beset the NDC since the conclusion of its primaries. Discontent among candidates has surfaced, encompassing accusations of result manipulation, extortion, and a lack of transparency in the vetting process. Although the party has repeatedly defended its nomination procedure’s integrity, critics within the organization argue that the explanations provided so far have not adequately addressed pressing concerns.
Implications for NDC’s Future Ahead of 2027 Elections
Petitions have been submitted to various regulatory bodies, raising critical questions about the party’s internal stability and capacity to navigate conflicts as it approaches the 2027 general elections. As a relatively nascent political entity striving to present itself as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s traditional parties, the NDC’s management of this controversy is poised to attract significant public scrutiny. Whether the party can quell the rising dissatisfaction, restore trust among its members, and emerge resilient as it heads toward the next electoral cycle remains uncertain.
