On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
NDC Edo Crisis Deepens as Aggrieved Aspirants Threaten Court Action Over Controversial Screening Exercise
Group alleges irregularities, candidate imposition and constitutional breaches; mobilises over 30 lawyers, including SANs, for legal showdown
The internal crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a dramatic turn as aggrieved members and aspirants announced plans to seek judicial intervention over what they described as an irregular and undemocratic screening exercise conducted by the party.
The development follows growing dissatisfaction among party stakeholders over the recently concluded screening process, which critics claim was marred by alleged constitutional violations, lack of transparency, and attempts to sideline qualified aspirants.
In an open letter dated June 8, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman, National Working Committee (NWC), and other national officers of the party, the aggrieved members formally notified the national leadership of their decision to challenge the exercise in court.
The letter, signed by Hon. Comrade Idahosa Frederick on behalf of aggrieved NDC members and aspirants in Edo State, accused the party leadership of failing to address complaints and documented allegations of irregularities surrounding the screening process.
According to the group, the controversial exercise was characterised by alleged breaches of the party's constitution and screening guidelines, exclusion of qualified aspirants through what they termed manipulated procedures, reports of favoritism and external interference, and the denial of fair hearing to affected party members.
The aggrieved members further alleged that the process appeared designed to impose candidates who may not enjoy widespread support among party faithful in the state.
Sources close to the aggrieved aspirants disclosed that more than 30 lawyers, including several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), are being assembled to challenge the outcome of the screening exercise and seek judicial interpretation of the issues raised.
The group maintained that its decision to approach the courts was not intended to undermine the party but rather to protect internal democracy and ensure that credible candidates emerge through a transparent process.
"We remain loyal members of the NDC. Our action is intended to strengthen the party by safeguarding its democratic values and ensuring that candidates emerge through a fair and credible process," the letter stated.
The aggrieved stakeholders urged the national leadership to immediately cancel the disputed screening exercise, constitute a neutral and independent screening panel, and conduct a fresh exercise that would reflect the wishes of party members across Edo State.
They warned that failure to act could deepen divisions within the party and negatively affect its chances in future elections.
The group also stressed that the current situation represents a critical test of the NDC's commitment to internal democracy, urging party leaders to take decisive action before the dispute escalates further.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), national officers of the party, and members of the press.
As tension continues to mount within the Edo State chapter, political observers say the party's next steps could prove crucial in determining whether the crisis is resolved internally or ultimately settled in the courtroom.
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