Warri Reps Ticket Crisis: Mulade Slams NDC Over Alleged Candidate Substitution, Demands N5bn Compensation

Prominent Niger Delta peace advocate and human rights activist, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of abandoning the outcome of its House of Representatives primary election for the Warri Federal Constituency and replacing it with what he described as an appointment process, demanding N5 billion in damages from the party.

Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, said he was stunned by the development after emerging winner of the party’s primary election conducted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists in Warri, the environmental rights campaigner alleged that the NDC disregarded the outcome of a validly conducted primary election and instead opted for a process that allegedly favoured individuals with greater financial influence through nomination form purchases.

According to him, the development has cast doubt on the credibility of a political platform many Nigerians had embraced as a fresh alternative capable of addressing the nation’s political and socio-economic challenges.

Mulade said he joined the party with the conviction that it would be driven by principles, ideology and a commitment to national development rather than the politics of patronage and money.

“We were taken aback by the actions of a party many Nigerians saw as a vehicle for change and national renewal. What has happened raises serious questions about its commitment to democratic values, fairness and internal justice,” he stated.

The Warri Federal Constituency aspirant argued that setting aside the outcome of a primary election undermines internal democracy and weakens public confidence in political institutions.

While expressing respect for the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Mulade suggested that certain interests within the party may have influenced the decision-making process through financial contributions and nomination form purchases.

He warned that political parties must avoid actions capable of eroding public trust, especially at a time when many Nigerians are searching for credible alternatives to the established political order.

Mulade called on the party leadership to reverse course and uphold the integrity of its primary election process, insisting that doing so would strengthen its credibility ahead of the 2027 polls.

He further maintained that his legal action seeking N5 billion in damages is not merely a personal battle but a move aimed at defending democratic principles, protecting the sanctity of party primaries and preserving public confidence in the electoral process.