BREAKING: Mulade Demands N5 Billion Damages From NDC Over Alleged Substitution After Primary Election Victory

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Renowned peace and development advocate, environmentalist, and winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives primary election for Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has demanded N5 billion in damages from the party over what he described as an unlawful substitution of his candidacy following his victory at the party’s primary election.

Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and a respected human rights activist, expressed shock and disappointment over the party’s decision to allegedly abandon the outcome of a duly conducted primary election in favour of what he termed an “unknown selection and appointment process.”

According to him, the decision contradicts the democratic principles the newly registered party claims to uphold. He noted that many Nigerians had viewed the NDC as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s numerous socio-political and economic challenges.

“We were taken aback by the actions of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Many Nigerians saw the party as a beacon of hope and a platform for genuine change. However, recent developments suggest a departure from the ideals of internal democracy, raising concerns that the party may be prioritizing other interests over the aspirations of its members and supporters,” Mulade stated.

The Niger Delta activist emphasized that he holds the leadership of the party, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high regard. However, he expressed concern that certain influences within the party may have undermined the integrity of the primary election process.

He maintained that it was unacceptable for a political party to replace a candidate who emerged victorious through a lawful and transparent primary election with another individual allegedly selected through non-democratic means.
Mulade further lamented that Nigerians have grown weary of political parties that continually betray public trust through actions that undermine democratic processes.

“Nigerians deserve political parties driven by genuine ideologies and a sincere commitment to national development. The era of manipulating electoral processes and deceiving the electorate must come to an end,” he said.
He urged the NDC leadership to retrace its steps and uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and internal democracy if it hopes to gain the confidence of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The NDC stands at a critical moment in its history. The party must seize this opportunity to redeem its image and demonstrate its commitment to democratic values. I want to believe that the NDC is not intended to become a political ‘one chance’ vehicle for unsuspecting Nigerians, but rather a credible platform genuinely committed to rescuing and rebuilding our country,” Mulade added.