A Delta State-born peace advocate and winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives primary for Warri Federal Constituency, Mr. Mulade, has instituted a N5bn damages claim against the party over alleged substitution of candidates after the conduct of its primaries.
Mulade, an environmental activist and traditional title holder in Gbaramatu Kingdom, expressed displeasure over what he described as the party’s alleged decision to discard the outcome of its primaries in favour of what he termed an appointment-based selection process.
He claimed that the development amounted to a breach of internal democratic norms, insisting that he emerged victorious in a properly conducted primary exercise before the party allegedly shifted ground.
The activist further accused the party of introducing a nomination arrangement he described as being influenced by financial considerations, alleging that ticket allocation had been reduced to a “highest bidder” system.
He said the party, which many Nigerians initially regarded as a fresh political alternative, risked losing public trust if it failed to uphold internal democracy and transparency in candidate selection.
Mulade also expressed respect for the leadership of the NDC, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, but alleged that the party structure had become overwhelmed by financial interests allegedly tied to nomination processes and contributions.
He argued that political parties must not undermine the will of members expressed through primaries, warning that such practices could erode confidence in the democratic process.
According to him, the alleged substitution of a declared primary winner with another candidate amounted to a distortion of electoral guidelines and internal party rules.
He urged the party leadership to urgently address the controversy and restore credibility, stressing that the NDC must demonstrate commitment to internal democracy if it hopes to remain competitive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mulade warned that Nigerians were increasingly disillusioned with political parties that, in his view, manipulate internal processes during election cycles.
He maintained that the strength of any political platform lies in its adherence to fairness, accountability and ideological clarity, rather than financial influence.
The activist further cautioned that failure to resolve the dispute could damage the party’s public image and undermine its prospects in future elections.
He, however, expressed hope that the leadership would take corrective steps, insisting that the party remained at a critical point in its history where it must choose between rebuilding trust or losing relevance.
Mulade added that the Nigerian electorate deserved political platforms driven by ideology and service rather than transactional politics, warning that continued disregard for internal democracy could have broader implications for national political development.
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