NJIKOKA 1: FACTS, NOT PROPAGANDA — WHY THE MAY 29 PRIMARY ELECTION AND OFFICIAL ELECTORAL RECORDS MATTER
A COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENT ON THE PARTY PRIMARY, THE ALLEGED SUBSTITUTION, INEC'S FINAL CANDIDATE LIST AND THE NEED TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AHEAD OF THE 2027 ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ELECTION.
PRESS RELEASE BY AMB. CHARLES ISINTUME (PICO), NDC CANDIDATE FOR NJIKOKA 1 CONSTITUENCY.
1. INTRODUCTION: THE NEED TO SEPARATE FACTS FROM POLITICAL NARRATIVES
The growing controversy surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Njikoka 1 Constituency ahead of the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly election has made it necessary to provide a comprehensive clarification of the issues involved.
In recent times, different accounts, conflicting claims and interpretations of party documents have generated unnecessary debate within the political family of the NDC. Unfortunately, some of these discussions have shifted attention away from the actual events surrounding the primary election and the official electoral records subsequently made available.
As a committed participant in the democratic process and the individual who emerged victorious in the party's primary election, I consider it necessary to put the relevant facts before party members, political stakeholders and the general public.
Democracy is sustained by transparency, fairness, accountability and respect for established procedures. Political disagreements may arise within any organisation, but such disagreements should never become an excuse for disregarding the rules or misrepresenting the facts.
The issue before us is not simply a disagreement between two political personalities. It concerns the integrity of a party primary election, the authority of the relevant party structures, the procedures governing candidate nomination and the importance of respecting official electoral documentation.
My intention is not to encourage hostility or create divisions within our great party. Rather, I seek to promote a clear understanding of the developments, encourage responsible political conduct and remind everyone that the law remains the appropriate instrument for resolving genuine electoral disputes.
The people of Njikoka 1 deserve an honest explanation. Party members deserve clarity, while all aspirants deserve fairness and equal treatment under the applicable rules.
It is therefore important that the discussion should be guided by verifiable records rather than assumptions, rumours or politically motivated interpretations.
2. MAY 29, 2026: THE PRIMARY ELECTION THAT PRODUCED A WINNER
On May 29, 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress conducted its primary election for Njikoka 1 State Constituency as part of the party's preparations for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly election.
The exercise was organised to determine the aspirant who would emerge as the party's candidate for the constituency.
At the conclusion of the primary election, Amb. Charles Isintume, popularly known as PICO, emerged victorious and was formally declared the winner.
This outcome represents the central starting point of the present controversy and must not be ignored when discussing subsequent developments.
Following the conclusion of the exercise, the results and relevant reports were forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the party.
This submission formed part of the electoral documentation relating to the party's nomination process.
It is important to appreciate that political party primaries are not ordinary political gatherings. They are recognised democratic exercises through which parties determine the individuals who will represent them in general elections.
The credibility of the entire process depends on respect for the outcome, proper documentation and compliance with the applicable legal requirements.
Where an aspirant emerges victorious, the result should be treated in accordance with the party's constitution, nomination guidelines and relevant electoral legislation.
If any disagreement arises concerning the exercise, the appropriate procedure is to establish the facts, examine the records and seek a lawful determination where necessary.
The democratic choice expressed through a primary election should not be treated lightly.
For this reason, the May 29, 2026 exercise remains a fundamental part of the discussion concerning the NDC nomination for Njikoka 1 Constituency.
Any alternative claim must be examined against the circumstances of that exercise and the relevant legal requirements.
3. THE ALLEGED ATTEMPT TO ALTER THE PRIMARY ELECTION OUTCOME
Of particular concern is the development that reportedly occurred days after the primary election, when certain individuals within the party allegedly initiated moves to replace the name of Amb. Charles Isintume (PICO) with that of Hon. Paul Nwabufo.
This development generated questions about the circumstances surrounding the proposed substitution and whether the relevant legal and procedural requirements had been fulfilled.
The concern is understandable because a party's nomination process must be governed by established rules rather than personal preferences or arbitrary decisions.
Where a primary election has been conducted and a winner declared, any subsequent alteration to the nomination must have a lawful foundation.
The relevant questions include the authority under which such a change was proposed, the circumstances justifying it and whether the necessary requirements under the Electoral Act, 2026, and applicable party regulations were satisfied.
These questions deserve proper answers.
The issue should not be reduced to a contest over who possesses a particular party document. What matters is the legal validity of the underlying nomination process and the authority for any subsequent action.
Internal party democracy requires that the rights of aspirants and the decisions of accredited delegates be respected.
It equally requires that party officials exercise their responsibilities within the limits of the powers conferred on them by law and the party's governing documents.
No democratic organisation can build public confidence if its internal procedures are perceived as uncertain or inconsistent.
I therefore believe that the circumstances surrounding the reported attempt to substitute my name with that of Hon. Paul Nwabufo should be examined objectively and in accordance with the relevant legal framework.
This is not a call for confrontation. It is a call for transparency, accountability and respect for due process.
4. INEC'S FINAL LIST: AN OFFICIAL ELECTORAL RECORD THAT DESERVES ATTENTION
Another important development in this matter is the appearance of my name on the Independent National Electoral Commission's Final List of Candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly election.
Despite the controversy surrounding the nomination, the NDC submitted and uploaded the name of Amb. Charles Isintume (PICO) as its candidate for Njikoka 1 Constituency.
Subsequently, my name appeared in INEC's published Final List of Candidates.
For ease of verification, the relevant entry is identified as:
PAGE 76 — SERIAL NUMBER 161.
This information is an important part of the electoral record and should be examined directly by anyone interested in understanding the nomination controversy.
An official publication by the electoral commission deserves serious consideration. It should not be dismissed casually through unverified claims, political commentary or the circulation of conflicting documents.
The appearance of my name on the published list provides an important factual reference point in the ongoing discussion.
However, it is equally important to state that the publication of a candidate's name does not prevent a competent court from determining a properly instituted legal challenge to the nomination.
Any individual who believes that the published nomination is inconsistent with the law is entitled to pursue the appropriate legal remedy.
What must be avoided is the attempt to settle a legal question through political arguments or declarations that have no binding judicial authority.
Electoral disputes should be resolved through recognised legal institutions and procedures.
The existence of an official electoral record should encourage transparency, not further confusion.
I therefore urge party members and the general public to examine the relevant INEC publication and allow any legitimate challenge to be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
5. PARTY CERTIFICATE OF RETURN AND INEC CERTIFICATE OF RETURN: UNDERSTANDING THE LEGAL DISTINCTION
A major source of misunderstanding in the present controversy is the failure to distinguish between a Certificate of Return issued by a political party and the statutory Certificate of Return issued by INEC.
These documents serve different purposes and should not be presented as though they carry identical legal consequences.
A political party may issue a Certificate of Return or similar documentation to acknowledge the outcome of its internal primary election and identify the aspirant declared successful.
Such documentation may constitute relevant evidence of the party's internal nomination process.
However, a party-issued Certificate of Return does not, merely by its existence, confer membership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
It does not independently establish entitlement to an elected legislative seat, nor does it automatically override the statutory nomination process or invalidate an existing INEC candidate record.
The INEC Certificate of Return is an official electoral document issued to the candidate legally entitled to receive it following the declaration of election results, subject to applicable electoral laws and judicial decisions.
This distinction is fundamental to understanding the present situation.
The question of who is legally recognised as the party's candidate must be considered within the context of the primary election, nomination records, applicable legislation and any relevant judicial pronouncement.
It would therefore be misleading to suggest that the possession of an internal party certificate automatically settles every legal issue concerning a disputed nomination.
Similarly, no individual should assume that an electoral record is beyond legal scrutiny.
The correct approach is to examine the entire process and determine the legal implications of the relevant documents.
The law, rather than political declarations or competing party certificates, must provide the final answer.
6. AN APPEAL TO HON. PAUL NWABUFO AND HIS SUPPORTERS: LET MATURITY PREVAIL
I wish to address my brother, Hon. Paul Nwabufo, and his supporters with a sincere appeal for understanding, political maturity and peaceful engagement.
We are members of the same political family, and regardless of our individual positions, we must recognise that the future of the NDC is a collective responsibility.
Every aspirant has the right to express an opinion, defend a legitimate interest and approach the appropriate judicial institution where there is a genuine disagreement.
If Hon. Paul Nwabufo maintains that he is the authentic candidate of the NDC for Njikoka 1 Constituency, he is free to pursue that position through lawful channels.
However, the continued exchange of accusations, personal attacks and arguments over party-issued documents will not necessarily resolve the underlying legal issues.
There is a better way to approach this matter.
Let us demonstrate political maturity by allowing the appropriate legal institutions to address genuine disputes while we concentrate on strengthening the party.
Our communities deserve political engagement that promotes development, unity and responsible leadership.
The people of Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi should not become spectators to endless internal disagreements.
They deserve a political party that is organised, focused and prepared to address their needs.
I therefore appeal to Hon. Paul Nwabufo and his supporters to consider the larger interests of our party and the people of Njikoka 1.
Political competition should never become a permanent source of hostility.
We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can pursue legitimate rights without destroying the relationships necessary for collective progress.
Where legal clarification is required, let the courts provide it.
Where reconciliation is possible, let us embrace it.
7. THE 2027 ELECTION: WHY PARTY UNITY AND GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION MATTER
As preparations for the 2027 general election continue, the NDC must begin to concentrate more deliberately on the task of winning the confidence of the electorate.
Elections are not won through internal controversies or the repeated exchange of political accusations.
They are won through effective organisation, grassroots mobilisation, voter education, community engagement and a convincing presentation of the party's programmes.
Our immediate responsibility should be to strengthen the party across the three major communities of Njikoka 1 Constituency: Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi.
We must engage our people, listen to their concerns and communicate the policies and programmes through which the NDC intends to address their expectations.
The electorate wants credible leadership, effective representation and a political organisation that understands the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
These are the issues that should dominate our political conversations.
It is also important to understand that voters will be presented with the party's name and symbol on the ballot paper, in accordance with the applicable electoral arrangements.
The immediate objective must therefore be to build recognition and support for the NDC as a political party.
Our collective energy should be directed towards mobilising voters, encouraging participation and ensuring that the party is well positioned for electoral success.
When the election is concluded, any question concerning the person legally entitled to receive INEC's Certificate of Return must be addressed through the applicable electoral records, relevant laws and binding court decisions.
Party unity and respect for the law should not be treated as competing objectives.
Both are essential to building a credible democratic institution.
8. THE RULE OF LAW MUST REMAIN ABOVE PERSONAL AND POLITICAL INTERESTS
One of the most important principles of democracy is that no individual or organisation is above the law.
Political parties must operate within the constitutional and statutory provisions governing their activities.
Likewise, aspirants and party officials must respect the procedures established for the conduct of primaries and the submission of candidates for general elections.
The controversy in Njikoka 1 provides an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of transparency and accountability in political party administration.
Where a primary election has been conducted, its records should be preserved.
Where a candidate has been declared successful, the declaration should be examined in accordance with the applicable rules.
Where a proposed substitution is made, the authority and legal basis for that action should be established.
These requirements are necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The Electoral Act, 2026, and other applicable legal provisions must be interpreted and applied according to their actual terms.
It is not enough for individuals to make general statements about what the law permits.
Every legal argument should be supported by the relevant statutory provisions, factual records and, where necessary, judicial interpretation.
The appropriate courts must be allowed to determine disputes properly brought before them.
This is the only responsible way to protect the rights of all concerned and prevent political disagreements from developing into unnecessary conflicts.
I therefore urge all NDC members to exercise restraint, verify information before circulating it and avoid presenting disputed documents as conclusive legal determinations.
Our commitment should be to justice, fairness, transparency and the preservation of democratic values.
9. THE WAY FORWARD: RECONCILIATION WITHOUT COMPROMISING JUSTICE
At this point, I consider it necessary to state clearly that I remain open to constructive engagement, genuine questions and discussions supported by verifiable facts.
I have no objection to responsible criticism or legitimate requests for clarification.
However, there must be a clear distinction between constructive political engagement and endless arguments that contribute nothing to resolving the situation.
We must move beyond personal attacks, unnecessary accusations and the continuous exchange of party documents.
The NDC has a responsibility to the people of Njikoka 1 that is far greater than the individual ambitions of its members.
I therefore call on party leaders, stakeholders, ward executives, supporters and all well-meaning members to work towards restoring confidence and strengthening our political structures.
Let us put unnecessary differences aside.
Let us promote mutual understanding.
Let us encourage peaceful engagement and respect for the rights of every member.
Most importantly, let us ensure that the pursuit of justice is not sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.
Unity does not mean abandoning legitimate rights. Reconciliation does not mean ignoring the law. Political maturity means understanding that disagreements can be resolved without destroying the collective interests of an organisation.
We must now focus on promoting the NDC manifesto, engaging the electorate and building a formidable political presence throughout the constituency.
The people of Njikoka 1 are looking for leadership that is accessible, responsible and committed to public service.
Our party must demonstrate that it is prepared to meet those expectations.
The time has come to replace distractions with meaningful political engagement and unnecessary confrontation with purposeful mobilisation.
10. FINAL DECLARATION: LET FACTS SPEAK, LET THE LAW PREVAIL AND LET THE PARTY MOVE FORWARD
Having considered the developments surrounding the NDC primary election for Njikoka 1 Constituency, it is important to restate the central position for the benefit of party members, stakeholders and the general public.
The NDC conducted its primary election on May 29, 2026, during which Amb. Charles Isintume (PICO) emerged victorious and was declared the winner.
The results and reports of the exercise were subsequently submitted to INEC by the party.
Days after the primary election, an alleged attempt was made by certain individuals to substitute my name with that of Hon. Paul Nwabufo, raising questions about compliance with the relevant electoral and party procedures.
Subsequently, the NDC submitted and uploaded my name as its candidate for Njikoka 1 Constituency, and my name appeared on INEC's Final List of Candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly election.
The relevant entry is on Page 76, Serial Number 161.
The distinction between an internal party Certificate of Return and the statutory Certificate of Return issued by INEC must also be properly understood.
Any challenge to the validity of the nomination or the continued recognition of a candidate must be pursued through the appropriate legal procedures and determined by a court of competent jurisdiction where necessary.
These are the facts and issues that should guide the ongoing discussion.
I sincerely appeal to all NDC leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters to remain calm, uphold the principles of fairness and justice, and work together towards the party's success in 2027.
To my brother, Hon. Paul Nwabufo, and his supporters, I extend a hand of political maturity and peaceful engagement.
Our differences should not destroy our common political aspirations.
To the people of Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi, I reaffirm my commitment to the democratic process and the importance of credible representation.
The future of our constituency must be greater than individual political interests.
We must build a political culture where the decisions of party delegates are treated with seriousness, official electoral records are examined objectively and legal disputes are resolved through established institutions.
THE PRIMARY ELECTION WAS CONDUCTED. THE RESULTS WERE DECLARED. THE ELECTORAL RECORDS EXIST. LET THE LAW AND DUE PROCESS DETERMINE EVERY LEGITIMATE DISPUTE.
POLITICAL PROPAGANDA CANNOT TAKE THE PLACE OF ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES. PARTY DOCUMENTATION MUST BE UNDERSTOOD WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LAW.
LET US END THE DISTRACTIONS, STRENGTHEN OUR PARTY, MOBILISE OUR PEOPLE AND PREPARE FOR VICTORY IN 2027!
NDC — SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE!
VOTE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
#RESTORING TRUST, BUILDING THE FUTURE.
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SIGNED:
AMB. CHARLES ISINTUME (PICO)
Ifeabata Enugwu-Ukwu N'Umunri
NDC Candidate for Njikoka 1 Constituency
Anambra State House of Assembly, 2027.
LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE. REPRESENTATION IS RESPONSIBILITY.
