A senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ogochukwu Onyema, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that members of the party’s screening committee extorted ₦20 million from him during the nomination process for the Enugu West Senatorial District.
In the petition dated June 3 and submitted through his counsel, Ayomide Ahmed, Onyema accused the screening committee of obtaining money under alleged misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive pressure during the party’s primaries process.
He claimed that beyond the ₦3 million paid for the Expression of Interest form and an additional ₦500,000 described as a voluntary contribution, aspirants were further pressured during screening to make additional payments allegedly tied to securing party nomination.
According to him, aspirants were informed that financial contributions were a measure of “capacity and seriousness” for various political offices.
He quoted the committee as stating that senatorial aspirants were expected to contribute ₦20 million, House of Representatives aspirants ₦10 million, and governorship aspirants ₦50 million as part of the nomination process.
Onyema alleged that although the payment was described as voluntary, the circumstances surrounding the screening created pressure that compelled him to comply.
“Although the payment was described as voluntary, the comments and conduct of the Screening Committee conveyed that payment of ₦20 million was necessary to demonstrate seriousness, capacity and eligibility for consideration,” he stated.
He further alleged that despite making the payment, he was not issued a nomination form, nor provided with any screening report or official explanation regarding his candidacy status.
He also claimed that other aspirants who did not meet similar financial expectations were still considered for nomination.
Onyema disclosed that he resigned from the party on June 1 and later demanded a refund of the alleged ₦20 million, but said no response was received from the party leadership.
He is therefore urging the EFCC to investigate the allegations, recover the funds, and ensure accountability over what he described as fraud, extortion, and abuse of office within the screening process.
The petition comes amid rising internal disputes within the NDC following its recent primaries, with multiple aspirants alleging irregularities, manipulation, and lack of transparency.
The party has continued to defend its processes, but growing grievances among aspirants have raised concerns over internal cohesion and credibility.
Political observers say the unfolding disputes could test the party’s ability to manage internal democracy and maintain public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
