Edo NDC Crisis Deepens as Aspirants Demand Cancellation of Screening Results, Allege Corruption and Imposition

 

BENIN CITY, EDO STATE – A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Edo State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a coalition of aggrieved aspirants and party members has formally demanded the immediate cancellation of the recently released screening results for aspirants seeking various elective positions within the party.

In a strongly worded protest letter dated May 31, 2026, and addressed to the State Chairman of the NDC in Edo State, the concerned aspirants described the screening exercise as "highly irregular, compromised, and shameful," alleging that the process was riddled with misconduct capable of undermining the party's credibility and democratic principles.

The petition, signed by Comrade Idahosa Frederick on behalf of concerned aspirants and party members, accused the screening committee of lacking transparency and failing to adhere to due process. According to the petitioners, several qualified aspirants were disqualified without fair hearing or adequate opportunity to respond to allegations made against them.

The group further alleged that the screening process was used as a tool for selective victimization, claiming that aspirants perceived to be independent-minded or not aligned with influential blocs within the party were deliberately targeted and screened out on questionable grounds.

One of the most serious allegations contained in the protest letter relates to claims of bribery and corruption. The aggrieved members alleged that monetary inducements and unofficial "settlements" influenced the screening outcomes, describing the exercise as a "cash-and-carry affair" that compromised the integrity of the process.

The petition also accused the screening committee of violating provisions of the party's constitution and established guidelines. According to the signatories, statutory timelines were ignored, while some committee members allegedly operated under clear conflicts of interest.

The protesters expressed concern over what they described as the exclusion of popular grassroots aspirants with proven political records and broad support bases, while lesser-known candidates were reportedly cleared to advance in the process.

Additionally, the petition cited incidents of intimidation and harassment allegedly directed at aspirants and their supporters before and during the screening exercise, creating what the group described as an atmosphere of fear rather than healthy democratic competition.

Warning that the controversy could negatively impact the party's electoral prospects, the petitioners argued that a political party unable to conduct a credible internal screening process would struggle to convince the electorate of its readiness to govern.

To address the situation, the aggrieved aspirants outlined a series of demands, including the immediate cancellation of the screening results, dissolution of the current screening committee, and the appointment of a new, impartial committee under national supervision.

They also called for a fresh screening exercise based on transparent and publicly available criteria, a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery and malpractice, and the publication of screening scores alongside reasons for every aspirant's qualification or disqualification.

The group issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the party leadership to respond to the demands, warning that failure to act would compel them to seek redress through the courts, the National Working Committee, and public advocacy channels.

As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State chapter of the NDC had not issued an official response to the allegations.

Political observers believe the unfolding dispute could test the party's commitment to internal democracy and transparency ahead of forthcoming electoral contests in the state.