A senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, has threatened legal action over the outcome of the party’s recent primary election, alleging irregularities in the process.
Orette, who contested in the primary, said information available to his camp suggested that the outcome of the exercise did not reflect the wishes of delegates who participated in the election.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, the aspirant expressed concerns over what he described as a departure from the principles of transparency and fairness expected in the party’s internal democratic process.
He alleged that individuals who did not actively participate in the party’s primary election may have been favoured over those who subjected themselves to the scrutiny of delegates.
According to Orette, the development has raised questions about the integrity of the primary process and the credibility of internal party democracy.
He called on the leadership of the NDC to publish the authentic results of the primary election, provide clarity on the selection process and address concerns being raised by party members and stakeholders across Delta South Senatorial District.
“The issue before us is larger than any individual ambition. It concerns the integrity of the electoral process, the sanctity of the ballot and the confidence of ordinary Nigerians who continue to believe that politics can be conducted with honesty and accountability,” he said.
Orette argued that political parties seeking public trust must demonstrate adherence to democratic principles within their own structures, warning that the failure to do so could weaken confidence in the wider political system.
He maintained that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on credible electoral processes and accountability within political parties.
The aspirant also disclosed plans to challenge any action he believes undermined the primary process through available party mechanisms and, if necessary, the courts.
“We will challenge any action that undermines the democratic process through the appropriate party mechanisms and, where necessary, through the courts of law,” he stated.
Orette urged party members and supporters of democratic governance to support calls for transparency, fairness and due process in resolving the dispute.
The NDC leadership had not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
