The campaign organisation of an aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Faith Ugbeshe has petitioned the party leadership over alleged irregularities that reportedly marred the recently concluded primary election.
In a petition signed by the Director of the Campaign Organisation, Nnamdi Friday, the group accused officials and some participants of undermining the credibility of the exercise through acts it described as misconduct, intimidation and voter disenfranchisement.
The petition, titled “Petition Against Gross Misconduct, Hooliganism and Disenfranchisement of Electorates During the Lagos State House of Assembly Primary Election for Constituency I Held at 2nd Avenue, Plot 206,”alleged that several accredited delegates and party members were denied the opportunity to participate in the voting process.
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According to the campaign organisation, reports from its agents, supporters and independent observers indicated that the election environment was characterised by disorder, intimidation and actions that compromised the integrity of the exercise.
The group maintained that the incidents prevented eligible voters from freely exercising their rights and created conditions that undermined transparency and fairness in the selection process.
“The exercise, which was expected to reflect the democratic principles and core values of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, was instead marred by acts of gross misconduct, intimidation, hooliganism, and the deliberate disenfranchisement of duly accredited party members and delegates,” the petition stated.
It further alleged that some voters were unlawfully prevented from participating in the election, while supporters of Dr. Ugbeshe were subjected to harassment and intimidation.
The petition also cited alleged disruption of the voting process by political thugs and unauthorised persons, as well as what it described as the failure of election officials to guarantee a level playing field for all contestants.
Among the issues raised were: Unlawful restriction of accredited voters from participating in the election, acts of intimidation and harassment directed at supporters of Dr. Faith Ugbeshe, disruption of the electoral process by political thugs and unauthorized persons, failure of election officials to ensure a level playing field for all contestants, actions that compromised the integrity and credibility of the primary election.
The campaign organisation noted that any process that denies party members the opportunity to freely participate in candidate selection threatens both party unity and its electoral prospects.
It therefore called on the Lagos State chapter of the NDC to launch a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the primary and sanction anyone found culpable.
The group also requested a review of the outcome of the exercise in line with the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines and democratic principles.
While expressing confidence in the party leadership’s ability to address the concerns raised, the campaign organisation urged members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding as they await the party’s response.
“Dr. Faith Ugbeshe remains committed to the ideals of democracy, party unity, and the advancement of good governance. We urge all party members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and confident that the leadership of our party will act decisively to uphold justice and protect the integrity of the electoral process,” the petition added.
