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...
Concerned stakeholders urge national leadership to reject politically motivated disqualification, demand transparent primaries ahead of 2027 election
Concerned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State have issued an open letter to the party's national leadership, warning against what they described as emerging attempts to use zoning arrangements as a basis for the unjust disqualification of Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu from the party's 2027 governorship race.
In the letter dated June 7, 2026, and signed by Engr. Uchenna Kelechi on behalf of concerned party elders, stakeholders, grassroots mobilizers, youth and women wings, and ward and local government executives, the group expressed fears that certain interests within the party may seek to manipulate the screening process to prevent Senator Nwagu from contesting for the governorship ticket.
The group described Senator Nwagu as one of the most experienced and widely accepted political figures in Ebonyi State, citing his legislative record, grassroots support, developmental contributions, and loyalty to the party as reasons he should be allowed to participate freely in the primary election.
According to the letter, many party faithful across Ebonyi's three senatorial zones view the senator as a unifying figure capable of securing victory for the NDC in the 2027 governorship election.
While affirming support for the principle of zoning where it is applied fairly and transparently, the concerned members cautioned against what they termed the "weaponization" of zoning for narrow political interests.
They argued that using zoning as a pretext to eliminate strong contenders could undermine internal democracy, create divisions within the party, and weaken its electoral chances in the state.
The stakeholders called on the national leadership of the NDC to ensure that the screening process for governorship aspirants is conducted with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the party's constitution.
Among their demands, they urged the party leadership to prevent any politically motivated disqualification of Senator Nwagu, guarantee equal opportunities for all qualified aspirants, and prioritize merit, competence, acceptability, and electoral viability over sectional considerations.
"The people of Ebonyi State are tired of recycled excuses and imposed candidates. They yearn for a Governor who can deliver good governance, infrastructural development, and economic prosperity," the letter stated.
The group further warned that any attempt to deny Senator Nwagu a fair opportunity to contest through what they described as backdoor arrangements could have serious implications for party unity and cohesion in the state.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the NDC, the concerned members said their intervention was motivated solely by the desire to see the party emerge victorious in 2027 and produce a candidate capable of moving Ebonyi State forward.
They concluded by urging the national leadership to resist sectional pressures and protect the integrity of the party's internal democratic processes, noting that party members and residents of Ebonyi State are closely watching developments ahead of the governorship contest.
Copies of the letter were also addressed to the National Chairman of the NDC, members of the National Working Committee, the Chairman of the NDC Screening Committee, and other progressive stakeholders in Ebonyi State.
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