By Francis Sadhere, Delta
Delta State-born peace advocate, environmental activist and House of Representatives aspirant for Warri Federal Constituency, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has slammed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with a N5 billion damages claim over what he described as the party’s unlawful substitution of his candidacy after he emerged victorious in the party’s primary election.
Mulade, who won the NDC primary for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressed outrage over the party’s decision to allegedly discard the outcome of a duly conducted primary and replace it with what he termed a controversial “selection and appointment process.”
The human rights activist and Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom described the development as a direct assault on democratic principles and a betrayal of the trust reposed in the party by Nigerians seeking genuine political change.
According to him, the NDC, which many citizens had viewed as a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s mounting challenges, was rapidly losing its moral authority through actions that undermine internal democracy.
“We were taken aback by the conduct of a newly registered political party that many Nigerians considered a beacon of hope and a platform for national redemption. What we are witnessing today raises serious concerns about whether the party was established to advance democratic ideals or merely serve vested interests,” Mulade stated.
He alleged that the party abandoned the democratic process in favour of a system driven by financial influence, claiming that the emergence of another candidate was linked to the purchase of a higher-priced nomination form rather than the outcome of the primary election.
Mulade said he still holds the leadership of the party, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high regard, but expressed disappointment that the party’s leadership appeared to have succumbed to pressure from powerful interests.
“It is unacceptable for any political party to discard the verdict of a validly conducted primary election and impose a candidate through an opaque process. Such actions weaken democratic institutions and erode public confidence in the political system,” he said.
The Niger Delta activist warned that Nigerians had grown weary of political parties that preach reform but engage in practices that contradict democratic values.
“Nigerians are tired of political parties that continue to deceive and manipulate the electorate during every election cycle. The country needs political movements driven by genuine ideology, accountability and commitment to national development, not platforms that gamble with the future of the people,” he added.
Mulade called on the NDC leadership to urgently reverse its decision and restore the mandate freely given to him by party delegates, warning that the party risked damaging its credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The NDC stands at a defining moment in its history. It must decide whether it wants to be remembered as a platform for democratic change or another political vehicle that disappointed Nigerians at a critical time.
“I want to believe that the NDC is not a political ‘one chance’ designed to exploit the hopes of Nigerians, but a serious platform genuinely committed to rescuing and rebuilding our country. The leadership must therefore do the right thing and respect the outcome of the primary election,” he said.
Mulade maintained that his legal action was aimed not only at reclaiming his mandate but also at defending the sanctity of internal party democracy and protecting the rights of party members whose votes and choices must be respected.
Delta State-born peace advocate, environmental activist and House of Representatives aspirant for Warri Federal Constituency, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has slammed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with a N5 billion damages claim over what he described as the party’s unlawful substitution of his candidacy after he emerged victorious in the party’s primary election.
Mulade, who won the NDC primary for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressed outrage over the party’s decision to allegedly discard the outcome of a duly conducted primary and replace it with what he termed a controversial “selection and appointment process.”
The human rights activist and Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom described the development as a direct assault on democratic principles and a betrayal of the trust reposed in the party by Nigerians seeking genuine political change.
According to him, the NDC, which many citizens had viewed as a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s mounting challenges, was rapidly losing its moral authority through actions that undermine internal democracy.
“We were taken aback by the conduct of a newly registered political party that many Nigerians considered a beacon of hope and a platform for national redemption. What we are witnessing today raises serious concerns about whether the party was established to advance democratic ideals or merely serve vested interests,” Mulade stated.
He alleged that the party abandoned the democratic process in favour of a system driven by financial influence, claiming that the emergence of another candidate was linked to the purchase of a higher-priced nomination form rather than the outcome of the primary election.
Mulade said he still holds the leadership of the party, particularly its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in high regard, but expressed disappointment that the party’s leadership appeared to have succumbed to pressure from powerful interests.
“It is unacceptable for any political party to discard the verdict of a validly conducted primary election and impose a candidate through an opaque process. Such actions weaken democratic institutions and erode public confidence in the political system,” he said.
The Niger Delta activist warned that Nigerians had grown weary of political parties that preach reform but engage in practices that contradict democratic values.
“Nigerians are tired of political parties that continue to deceive and manipulate the electorate during every election cycle. The country needs political movements driven by genuine ideology, accountability and commitment to national development, not platforms that gamble with the future of the people,” he added.
Mulade called on the NDC leadership to urgently reverse its decision and restore the mandate freely given to him by party delegates, warning that the party risked damaging its credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The NDC stands at a defining moment in its history. It must decide whether it wants to be remembered as a platform for democratic change or another political vehicle that disappointed Nigerians at a critical time.
“I want to believe that the NDC is not a political ‘one chance’ designed to exploit the hopes of Nigerians, but a serious platform genuinely committed to rescuing and rebuilding our country. The leadership must therefore do the right thing and respect the outcome of the primary election,” he said.
Mulade maintained that his legal action was aimed not only at reclaiming his mandate but also at defending the sanctity of internal party democracy and protecting the rights of party members whose votes and choices must be respected.
