NDC primary row: Group challenges disputed Lagos Assembly nomination

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Youths in Politics NG has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to review the nomination process for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Eti-Osa Constituency I, following a complaint by one of the aspirants, John Akano.

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The organisation made the call in a statement issued by its President, following a petition concerning the circumstances surrounding the party’s nomination exercise in the constituency.

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According to the group, Akano claimed to have purchased the required expression of interest and nomination forms, completed the nomination process, obtained clearance to participate and mobilised supporters ahead of the party’s primary.

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The organisation said the aspirant further alleged that after the primary was cancelled or not concluded, moves were made to present another individual who did not participate in the nomination process as the party’s candidate.

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Youths in Politics NG said it reviewed information and materials presented in connection with the complaint and found sufficient grounds for a transparent review before any decision is taken that could affect the interests of qualified aspirants.

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The organisation stressed that its intervention was neither an endorsement of Akano nor opposition to any other aspirant, but a call for fairness, due process and respect for internal democracy.

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“If a primary was conducted and a particular aspirant legitimately emerged victorious, the result should be properly verified and respected unless there is a lawful basis for setting it aside,” the organisation said.

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It urged the NDC to clearly communicate the legal and constitutional basis for any alternative method it intends to use to select its candidate if the primary was cancelled or could not be validly concluded.

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The group also called for all eligible aspirants to be given equal opportunities to participate in any fresh nomination process in accordance with the party’s constitution, nomination guidelines and applicable electoral laws.

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It warned that excluding young aspirants after they had invested resources and mobilised supporters for political contests could discourage youth participation in politics.

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Youths in Politics called on the NDC leadership to review the circumstances surrounding the Eti-Osa Constituency I primary and make relevant records available to the affected aspirants.

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It also urged the party to allow Akano and other affected aspirants to present their evidence and be heard before taking any irreversible decision on the choice of its candidate.

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The organisation recommended a transparent mechanism for resolving any dispute over the outcome of the primary.

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It further urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue their grievances through peaceful and lawful channels.

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The group said the controversy went beyond one individual, arguing that the way political parties handle nomination disputes could affect young Nigerians’ confidence in the political process.

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“Today, the name before us is Hon John Ademola Akano. Tomorrow, it could be another young Nigerian,” the organisation said.

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It maintained that it was not opposed to any individual who might eventually emerge as the NDC candidate for the constituency, adding that its demand was for a process capable of withstanding scrutiny.

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It also called on relevant electoral institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, to perform their statutory responsibilities within the limits of the law.

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The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the nomination process and speak out if legitimate concerns remained unresolved.

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It reiterated that its position was based on its commitment to justice, internal democracy, the rule of law and increased political participation by Nigerian youths.

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