Abia NDC Female Aspirant Petitions Party Over Alleged Discrimination And Primaries Irregularities

Abia NDC female aspirant petitions party over alleged discrimination and primaries irregularities A House of Representatives aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Barrister Nkasiobi Madumere, has petitioned the party’s national leadership over alleged discrimination, disenfranchisement, and irregularities during the party’s Abia State primaries for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency. Madumere, who was the only female aspirant in the race, claimed she was unfairly treated during the exercise and called for a full review of the conduct and outcome of the primaries. In her petition and public statements, Madumere alleged that the primary election process was marred by logistical failures, including late communication of venues, delays in the arrival of election officials, and sudden changes in polling locations. She also claimed that these disruptions created confusion across the constituency, which includes Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Ikwuano local government areas, affecting voter participation and fairness in the exercise. Madumere further alleged that the counting process was not conducted transparently, insisting that supporters of some aspirants were counted while her own supporters were allegedly excluded or ignored in parts of the exercise. The aspirant also raised concerns of gender-based discrimination, arguing that being the only female contender placed her at a disadvantage in the conduct and outcome of the primaries. She said she had complied with all party requirements, including purchasing nomination forms, screening, and clearance, and therefore deserved a fair and transparent process. Madumere stated that she has formally submitted petitions to the NDC National Chairman and the party’s appeal committee, requesting an investigation into the Abia primaries. She urged the party to review the exercise, address alleged irregularities, and take corrective measures to restore confidence in its internal democratic processes ahead of future elections. According to reports, the Abia State chapter of the NDC acknowledged the complaints and said internal dispute resolution mechanisms were being activated to handle grievances arising from the primaries, while investigations were ongoing.