A senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Isaac Nwachukwu, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State, challenging what he described as the unlawful substitution of his candidacy for the Imo North Senatorial District ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Nwachukwu is asking the court to recognise him as the authentic candidate of the party and restrain both the NDC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or recognising any other aspirant for the position pending the determination of the case.
In the suit, the plaintiff alleged that he emerged as the consensus candidate during the party’s selection process but was later replaced despite meeting all requirements and making significant financial contributions to the party. 
He claimed to have paid a total of ₦25 million to the party, comprising ₦20 million as support for the party and ₦5 million for the nomination form for the Imo North Senatorial District ticket.
According to him, he participated in the party’s screening exercise, was duly cleared, and his consensus candidacy was ratified before his name was allegedly substituted with another aspirant.
Nwachukwu further alleged that irregularities occurred during the process, including a situation where funds he paid were allegedly credited to another aspirant, Matthew Omegara, while Omegara’s payment was also reportedly attributed to him.
Among the reliefs sought before the court, he is requesting a declaration that he remains the consensus and rightful candidate of the NDC for Imo North Senatorial Zone, as well as an order restraining the party from fielding any other candidate.
He is also asking the court to stop INEC from recognising any candidate other than himself for the senatorial district election until the matter is resolved.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, Nwachukwu maintained that after purchasing the expression of interest form and fulfilling all financial obligations, his name was listed as the party’s candidate following the primaries.
He, however, said he was later informed at a meeting involving the party’s national leadership, including Senator Seriake Dickson, that some stakeholders from Imo State questioned his popularity and electoral strength.
The plaintiff is therefore seeking an order compelling the NDC to issue him a certificate of return as its candidate for the Imo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, attempts to get an official response from the party were unsuccessful.
The NDC spokesperson in Imo State, Dr. Charles Akano, said he had yet to receive clearance to speak on the matter.
“I have tried to call party leaders in Imo State, but they did not take my calls. I’m afraid I do not have authorisation to speak on the issue yet,” he said.
The case is expected to further expose internal tensions within the party’s candidate selection process as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
