NDC Candidate Dispute escalates as Lagos Assembly aspirant John Akano rejects alleged imposition of candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency I ticket.
Fresh controversy has emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations of an attempt to impose a candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat in Eti-Osa Constituency I, a development that has sparked protests from one of the party’s aspirants.
At the center of the growing disagreement is Hon. John Ademola Akano, an aspirant who has openly challenged what he described as efforts by certain party officials to bypass established procedures and hand the party’s ticket to an individual who did not participate in the nomination process.
The development has intensified the NDC candidate dispute, raising concerns among party members and political observers about internal democracy and adherence to electoral regulations ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Speaking during a press conference in Lagos, Akano insisted that he legitimately entered the race after purchasing and submitting the required Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
According to him, he also fulfilled all financial obligations, met eligibility requirements, and actively participated in activities leading up to the primary election process.
The aspirant explained that his decision to contest was based on assurances from party stakeholders that transparency, fairness, and due process would guide the selection of candidates.
He noted that these assurances encouraged him to invest substantial resources and energy into his campaign preparations.
Akano said he embarked on extensive consultations with community leaders, political stakeholders, youth groups, and residents across Eti-Osa Constituency I.
He also carried out grassroots mobilization efforts and strategic engagements designed to strengthen his support base ahead of the party’s primary election.
According to him, the emergence of reports suggesting that the party may hand its ticket to another individual came as a surprise and has left many supporters questioning the credibility of the process.
The NDC candidate dispute took a more serious turn when Akano alleged that the individual being considered for the House of Assembly ticket neither purchased nomination forms nor participated in the screening exercise conducted by the party.
He argued that allowing such a substitution would undermine the sacrifices made by aspirants who followed due process and complied with every requirement outlined by the party.
“It would be unfair and contrary to democratic principles for someone who did not contest for this particular position to suddenly emerge as the party’s candidate,” he said.
Akano further maintained that he was not responsible for the cancellation or non-conclusion of the primary election and therefore should not be disadvantaged by circumstances beyond his control.
He stressed that any alternative arrangement being considered by the party should recognize and prioritize aspirants who legitimately entered the race and fulfilled all nomination requirements.
In defending his position, Akano referenced Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides guidelines regarding the substitution of candidates by political parties.
He argued that the law permits substitution only under specific circumstances, including death or voluntary withdrawal by a candidate.
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The aspirant also drew attention to the distinction between different elective positions within the party’s nomination process.
He claimed that the individual allegedly being considered for the House of Assembly ticket had initially sought nomination for a different office.
According to him, records available within the party indicate that Mr. Rotimi Obasanjo Egbewunmi contested for the House of Representatives position and not the Lagos State House of Assembly seat.
This aspect of the NDC candidate dispute has generated debate among party members, with some insisting that the integrity of the nomination process must be preserved to avoid future legal complications.
Political analysts have noted that disputes over candidate selection remain one of the most common causes of internal crises within Nigerian political parties.
In many cases, disagreements over nominations often lead to court actions, defections, and prolonged factional battles capable of weakening a party’s electoral prospects.
Akano warned that any attempt to impose a candidate outside the established framework could expose the party to avoidable litigation and reputational damage.
He stated that while he remains committed to the ideals and objectives of the NDC, party supremacy should not be interpreted as a license to ignore justice, fairness, and transparency.
According to him, genuine party supremacy can only thrive when members have confidence that decisions are being made in accordance with established rules and democratic principles.
The NDC candidate dispute has also drawn attention to the broader issue of internal democracy within political parties.
Civil society groups and election observers have repeatedly emphasized the importance of transparent candidate selection processes as a foundation for credible elections.
Akano therefore appealed to senior leaders of the party to intervene before the situation escalates further.
He specifically called on National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and South West Vice Chairman Pastor Mrs. Adedayo Ekong to ensure that due process is respected.
He expressed confidence that the party’s leadership would act in the interest of justice and fairness while protecting the rights of aspirants who complied with all requirements.
“Justice must prevail, and democracy must be protected,” he declared.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many party members are watching closely to see how the leadership will respond to the allegations.
The outcome of the NDC candidate dispute could significantly influence perceptions of the party’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy ahead of the Lagos State House of Assembly elections.
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