Activist sues NDC for N5 billion over primary election issue

A Niger Delta environmental activist and Nigeria Democratic Congress aspirant for the House of Representatives seat for Warri Federal Constituency, Sheriff Mulade, has taken legal action against the party. He is claiming N5 billion in damages over what he calls the party's decision to throw away the results of the primary election for an “unknown selection or appointment process.”

Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, said he was “taken aback by the party’s decision.” He expressed his shock over what he sees as the party’s sudden choice of a candidate-selection process that seems to favor those who can pay the most for nomination forms.

He shared these thoughts in a statement he personally signed, which was sent to journalists in Warri on Monday.

“We were taken aback by the newly registered party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which many Nigerians considered a saviour capable of addressing the numerous challenges confronting our dear nation.

“Little did we know that the NDC vehicle we boarded was mainly for what looks more like placeholders, gambling with Nigerians’ future,” Mulade said.

“We are hereby proceeding to court with a N5 billion damages claim over the infraction,” he added.

Mulade also mentioned that he respects the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, especially its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. But he accused the leadership of being influenced by money from certain Nigerians disguised as donations, contributions, and sales of nomination forms.