The National Democratic Congress has been drawn into an internal dispute over its House of Representatives ticket for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State, with the party’s South-East leadership demanding evidence to support allegations made by its candidate, Ceejay Ezebuiro.
NDC National Vice-Chairman, South-East, Teddy Obe, denied claims that he and other party leaders demanded N150 million from Ezebuiro or threatened his life over the party’s ticket.
Obe described the allegations as serious and unfounded, challenging Ezebuiro to provide evidence of the alleged financial transaction and purported threat.
According to Obe, any claim that party officials demanded money or plotted to eliminate a candidate should be supported by verifiable evidence, including details of the alleged payment and the account into which the money was reportedly transferred.
He also denied participating in any plan to force Ezebuiro to surrender his ticket to another aspirant.
The NDC chieftain said disputes arising from party primaries should be handled through the party’s established procedures and the relevant electoral laws.
Obe further questioned Ezebuiro’s claim that he had already been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the party’s candidate, saying the status of any disputed nomination should be determined by relevant INEC records and court processes.
Ezebuiro had earlier alleged that senior NDC figures from the South-East threatened his life and demanded N150 million from him to retain his ticket after he emerged from the party’s May 28, 2026 National Assembly primary.
Obe urged Ezebuiro to provide the date, venue, names of those allegedly involved and documentary evidence relating to the claims.
He also asked the candidate to retract the allegations within 14 days or face legal action.
The disagreement comes as the NDC continues preparations for the 2027 general elections, with disputes over nominations and party structures emerging in some constituencies.
Obe said the party remained committed to resolving legitimate grievances through internal mechanisms and the courts, while urging members to avoid allegations that could heighten tension within the party.
