Isaac Nwachukwu, an aspirant for the Imo North senatorial seat, has approached the Federal High Court in Owerri to challenge what he describes as an unlawful substitution of his name as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate. Nwachukwu’s suit targets the NDC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He is seeking a declaration that he is the authentic consensus candidate of the party for the Imo North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election, and he asks the court to restrain the NDC from fielding any other candidate for the seat. He also seeks an order to prevent INEC from recognising or accepting any other person’s candidacy for the position.
In his pleadings, Nwachukwu says he emerged as the consensus candidate after screening, clearance and ratification, but that his name was later replaced by another aspirant, which he links to alleged mishandling of payments to the party. He claims he paid N25 million in total, including N20 million in party support and N5 million for the nomination/expression of interest form, and alleges that the N20 million was credited to another aspirant while his was credited to him for the other person’s payment. The NDC’s state spokesperson said he required authorisation from party leaders before commenting. The court has not yet set a hearing date.
