Mulade Sues NDC Over Primary Election Dispute

By Babatunji Wusu| Comrade Sheriff Mulade, the declared winner of the Warri Federal Constituency primary election, has filed a N5 billion lawsuit against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party’s decision to set aside the outcome of its primary process in Delta State.

Mulade, a prominent human rights activist and the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, expressed disappointment over what he described as the party’s sudden shift from a democratic primary election to a selection process allegedly based on the highest bidder for nomination forms.

The activist said he was shocked by the development, noting that many Nigerians had viewed the newly registered party as a credible platform capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.

“We were taken aback by the newly registered party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which many Nigerians considered to be a saviour and messiah to address and tackle the numerous challenges confronting our dear nation, Nigeria but little did we knew that NDC vehicle we boarded was mainly for what looks more like placeholders, gambling with Nigerians’ future,” he said.

Speaking on the NDC primary dispute, Mulade stated that he still holds the party leadership, especially its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high regard. However, he alleged that the leadership may have come under pressure from individuals with significant financial influence through donations, contributions and nomination form purchases.

According to him, the party cannot legitimately replace the outcome of a validly conducted primary election with an appointment process after a winner has emerged.

“NDC cannot adopt such an unspeakable level to ‘appoint’ a flagbearer when a winner has emerged from a lawfully and valid conducted party primaries,” he said.

The environmentalist urged the party to restore confidence in its processes by respecting the results of the primary election. He warned that the NDC primary dispute could damage the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 elections if not properly addressed.

Mulade maintained that Nigerians deserve political parties driven by genuine ideals and expressed hope that the NDC would take steps to resolve the NDC primary dispute and strengthen public trust.