A prominent Niger Delta peace advocate and environmental rights campaigner, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has threatened legal action against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), demanding ₦5 billion in damages over what he described as the unlawful substitution of his candidacy after emerging victorious in the party’s primary election for the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat.
In a statement sent to our correspondent, Mulade expressed disappointment over the party’s alleged decision to disregard the outcome of its primary election and replace it with what he termed an “appointment-based process” that undermines democratic principles.
The Gbaramatu Kingdom chief, who holds the title of Ibe-Sorimowei, said he was shocked by the development, especially given the expectations many Nigerians had of the newly formed political party.
According to him, the NDC was widely viewed as a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s pressing political and socio-economic challenges. However, recent developments within the party, he said, have raised serious concerns about its commitment to transparency and internal democracy.
Mulade alleged that despite emerging as the winner of a duly conducted primary election, the party leadership moved to adopt another process for selecting its candidate, a decision he described as unfair and inconsistent with democratic norms.
He noted that he holds the party’s leadership in high regard, particularly former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, but expressed concern that certain interests may have influenced the party’s decision-making process.
The activist argued that no political party seeking public trust should disregard the outcome of a valid primary election in favour of an alternative arrangement after a winner has already emerged.
He further lamented what he described as the growing frustration among Nigerians over political parties that fail to uphold democratic values and electoral fairness.
“Nigerians are increasingly demanding integrity, accountability and genuine leadership from political institutions. Political parties must demonstrate a commitment to fairness and respect for due process if they hope to inspire confidence among citizens,” he stated.
Mulade called on the leadership of the NDC to review its actions and restore confidence in the party by respecting the outcome of its primary election process.
He warned that the controversy could negatively impact the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections if not properly addressed.
The Niger Delta advocate maintained that the NDC has an opportunity to distinguish itself from other political parties by adhering to democratic principles and promoting internal justice.
He added that he remains hopeful the party will take corrective measures and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals upon which it was founded.
The development is expected to spark further debate within political circles as stakeholders continue to monitor events surrounding candidate selection and party democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
A prominent Niger Delta peace advocate and environmental rights campaigner, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has threatened legal action against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), demanding ₦5 billion in damages over what he described as the unlawful substitution of his candidacy after emerging victorious in the party’s primary election for the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat.
In a statement sent to our correspondent, Mulade expressed disappointment over the party’s alleged decision to disregard the outcome of its primary election and replace it with what he termed an “appointment-based process” that undermines democratic principles.
The Gbaramatu Kingdom chief, who holds the title of Ibe-Sorimowei, said he was shocked by the development, especially given the expectations many Nigerians had of the newly formed political party.
According to him, the NDC was widely viewed as a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s pressing political and socio-economic challenges. However, recent developments within the party, he said, have raised serious concerns about its commitment to transparency and internal democracy.
Mulade alleged that despite emerging as the winner of a duly conducted primary election, the party leadership moved to adopt another process for selecting its candidate, a decision he described as unfair and inconsistent with democratic norms.
He noted that he holds the party’s leadership in high regard, particularly former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, but expressed concern that certain interests may have influenced the party’s decision-making process.
The activist argued that no political party seeking public trust should disregard the outcome of a valid primary election in favour of an alternative arrangement after a winner has already emerged.
He further lamented what he described as the growing frustration among Nigerians over political parties that fail to uphold democratic values and electoral fairness.
“Nigerians are increasingly demanding integrity, accountability and genuine leadership from political institutions. Political parties must demonstrate a commitment to fairness and respect for due process if they hope to inspire confidence among citizens,” he stated.
Mulade called on the leadership of the NDC to review its actions and restore confidence in the party by respecting the outcome of its primary election process.
He warned that the controversy could negatively impact the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections if not properly addressed.
The Niger Delta advocate maintained that the NDC has an opportunity to distinguish itself from other political parties by adhering to democratic principles and promoting internal justice.
He added that he remains hopeful the party will take corrective measures and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals upon which it was founded.
The development is expected to spark further debate within political circles as stakeholders continue to monitor events surrounding candidate selection and party democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
