By Seyi Odewale
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been thrown into fresh controversy following a petition by aggrieved members in Delta State accusing former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, of imposing a preferred candidate for the Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency.
The petitioners also accused Omo-Agege of promoting nepotism and undermining internal democracy in the party.
The petition, dated July 27, 2026, was signed by Evang. J.O.K. Awhin (Ward 2, Udu LGA), Engr. Akuya Fidelis (Ward 9, Udu LGA), Ufuoma Anote (Ward 7, Udu LGA), Eko Ojevwe (Ughelli North) and Kugbere Obanyedo (Ughelli North).
They signed on behalf of concerned stakeholders, delegates and members of the party in the Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency.
Addressed to the party’s National Chairman, National Executive Committee and National Working Committee, the petition demanded the immediate nullification of the alleged emergence of Chief Christopher Ominimini as the NDC candidate for the constituency.
The petitioners alleged that Omo-Agege had entrenched a culture of imposing loyalists on political parties where he wields influence.
They claimed the practice had consistently undermined democratic principles and the wishes of party members.
According to them, the primary election conducted to produce the party’s candidate was manipulated from the outset.
“A sham primary was conducted in Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency that was neither free nor fair. The outcome was predetermined,” the petition stated.
The aggrieved members further alleged that despite placing “a distant fifth” in the primary, Ominimini was being “forcefully imposed” on the party by Omo-Agege.
They noted that Ominimini currently serves as Personal Assistant to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The petition also dismissed reports that the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) recommended Ominimini for the ticket.
The group argued that the regional socio-cultural organisation had no constitutional role in determining candidates for any political party.
“Why would PANDEF interfere in the internal politics of the NDC? PANDEF is a regional socio-cultural body, not a political party. It cannot override the NDC Constitution or the sovereign will of NDC delegates. This claim is a ploy to legitimise an illegality,” the petition added.
The petitioners also accused Omo-Agege of favouring Ominimini because both men are from the same village.
“This is a clear case of favouritism and kinsmanship,” they alleged.
“The Senator is using party structure to advance personal and ethnic interests against party principles,” the petition added.
The group further argued that the alleged imposition violated the long-standing principle of equity and rotation between Udu and Ughelli.
According to them, abandoning the arrangement could destabilise the party and erode members’ confidence ahead of the election.
They warned that failure by the NDC leadership to reverse the decision could trigger mass defections and cost the party victory in the constituency.
“The people of Udu/Ughelli will reject an imposed candidate. This action will hand the seat to the opposition,” the petition warned.
The stakeholders urged the party’s national leadership to nullify Ominimini’s candidacy and conduct a fresh, free and transparent primary under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
They also called for sanctions against Omo-Agege over alleged anti-party activities and urged the leadership to uphold equity and fairness in all decisions affecting the constituency.
Copies of the petition were sent to the party’s National Secretary, National Organising Secretary, Delta State Chairman and Central Senatorial District Chairman.
Efforts to obtain reactions from Senator Omo-Agege and Chief Christopher Ominimini were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
