Aspirants and stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu North Senatorial District have called for a transparent and credible process ahead of its 2027 National Assembly (NASS) election primaries.

The group made the call in a communiqué issued on Wednesday after a meeting held by members of the group in Abuja on Monday.

The stakeholders, at the meeting, passed a vote of confidence on the former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo, commending his leadership and commitment to building the party in the state.

“We pledge support for any transparent and acceptable process adopted by the party leadership under Nwodo,” the communiqué read.

They insisted that internal democracy must remain the foundation of the party and warned against alleged candidate imposition in the zone.

The group also expressed concerns over alleged political manoeuvring by former lawmaker, Patrick Asadu, aimed at imposing candidates on the party ahead of the 2027 NASS primary elections, saying such actions could undermine confidence in the party.

“The party leadership must be cautious in its dealings with Asadu, who is a potential political liability in the zone.”

The group maintained that his alleged strained relationship with some constituents and claims of underwhelming performance during his 16 years in the House of Representatives could affect the fortunes of the party.

“The adoption of any unpopular candidate could trigger protests and withdrawal of support by some aspirants.

“Nsukka Zone remains a major voting bloc in Enugu State, and as such, we advise that we avoid any political decisions capable of affecting the party’s electoral prospects.

“Political success in the zone depends on grassroots acceptance, integrity, and credibility rather than financial influence.

“We recall the strong performance of the Labour Party in the zone during the 2023 general elections, which is evidence of the people’s resistance to imposed candidates,” the communiqué further read.

Reacting, Mr Asadu denied allegations that he was seeking election into the House of Representatives or attempting to influence the emergence of candidates in the zone.

“I am not running for the House of Representatives at all. I am not interested in any innuendo about the leadership of the NDC in Enugu State by anyone at all,” he said.

Mt Asadu, while defending his record in office as a lawmaker, said he initiated road projects, distributed vehicles, and provided free medical services during his tenure in the House of Representatives.

“I have never contested any senatorial primary election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and I have never been a member of the Labour Party.

“Assessment of my performance should be left to the people of Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, whom I represented.

“I only represented Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South, and only the people I represented can judge me objectively,” he said.

Mr Asadu alleged that claims linking him to the imposition of candidates were false and politically motivated.

He said the NDC remained open to all Nigerians and that no individual could be denied the constitutional right to join any political party of choice.

The former lawmaker also dismissed allegations of breaching zoning arrangements in Enugu North Senatorial District, saying he was unaware of any such agreement.

According to him, the focus should be on liberating the people from political domination rather than engaging in blackmail and unsubstantiated accusations. 

(NAN)