From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia
A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Mrs. Nkasiobi Madumere, has raised an alarm over alleged discrimination by officials during the primaries. She attributed her exclusion from the count to her gender.
Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, Madumere alleged that she was deliberately excluded from the counting process despite being duly cleared to participate in the exercise.
She revealed that she was the only female contender in the race. She expressed disappointment over what she described as unfair treatment and gender-based discrimination during the primaries.
The aspirant hinted that she joined the contest after receiving overwhelming support and encouragement from party members who believed in her vision for effective representation and good governance.
Madumere reiterated that after buying her nomination form, she successfully underwent screening and was cleared by the party to contest. She added that she mobilised supporters across her constituency. She said the conduct of the exercise was, however, marred by irregularities, including late communication of venues, delays in the arrival of party officials, and multiple changes of election locations.
She regretted that the delayed arrival of party and election officials caused many of her supporters to leave before voting commenced. She added that she was physically present throughout the exercise at the Umuahia South LGA venue, Olokoro Primary School, unlike some other aspirants who were represented by agents.
“However, when it got to my turn, the delegates allegedly turned away without counting me or my supporters. I see it as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise me, while supporters of my male counterpart were counted,” she said.
She also alleged that similar incidents occurred in Umuahia North and Ikwuano Local Government Areas, insisting that her supporters across the constituency were excluded from the process.
Madumere disclosed that she had submitted petitions to the party’s Appeal Committee, the National Chairman, and other relevant organs of the party, seeking redress over the outcome of the exercise. She called on the leadership of the party to investigate the conduct of the primaries in Abia State, alleging that several irregularities undermined the credibility of the exercise.
She said: “Restoring confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes will require a thorough review of the actions of officials involved in organising the primaries. I am calling for justice and fairness for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. Women should not be discouraged from seeking elective positions through actions that undermine confidence in the democratic process.”
Reacting to the allegation, the Abia State Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Kanu Dike, appealed for calm among party members and urged them to allow the party’s internal mechanisms to address grievances arising from the primaries.
The State Secretary maintained that the party’s Appeal Panel and the National Executive Committee are already considering petitions submitted following the recently concluded primaries.
He assured that the party leadership will announce its decisions after reviewing all valid complaints brought before it.
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