NDC Primaries: Ogodo Opposes Senate, Reps Tickets Going To Same Ward, Alleges Attempt To Destabilise Party

A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Ogodo Patrick Omma, has raised concerns over the outcome of the party’s recently concluded direct primaries, arguing that both the Delta Central Senatorial and Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency tickets should not be occupied by candidates from the same ward.

Speaking on the development, Ogodo noted that former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who is seeking the Delta Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the NDC, hails from Orogun. He also claimed that Chief (Dr.) Christopher Ominimini, who is contesting for the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency ticket, is from the same Orogun axis.

According to him, the arrangement contradicts the principle of political balance and fairness often advocated within the party.

He maintained that Hon. (Arch.) Julius Efeni Akpovoka remains a leading contender for the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency ticket based on preliminary results from the three local government areas that make up the constituency.

Ogodo further accused Omo-Agege of applying a different standard from the one he has used to criticise Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

He recalled Omo-Agege’s previous comments regarding the governor and Senator Ede Dafinone, alleging that both come from the same constituency, and argued that a similar situation would arise if Ominimini emerges as the party’s House of Representatives candidate.

The NDC member also alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is attempting to plant loyalists within the party to destabilise it.

He specifically claimed that Ominimini remains an aide to the Senate President and has not formally resigned from the position, an allegation for which no evidence was provided.

Drawing from Delta State’s political history, Ogodo recalled that when the late Felix Ibru contested for governor, former Governor James Ibori reportedly advised Omo-Agege against pursuing the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency seat at the same time, in order to maintain political balance within the area.

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He called on the National Working Committee (NWC), party leaders and stakeholders to ensure due process is followed in resolving issues arising from the primaries, stressing that unity, fairness and adherence to party rules are essential for the growth of the NDC ahead of future elections.

The allegations contained in this report are those of Chief Ogodo Patrick Omma and have not been independently verified. The individuals mentioned have not publicly responded to the claims at the time of filing this report.