2027: NDC Primary Election In Bende Marred By Alleged Irregularities

Reports say the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC primary election in Bende Local Government Area on Friday May 29, 2026 was marred by irregularities and alleged hijack and diversion of election materials and the state returning officer by aspirants in the race.

Party faithful and aspirants who spoke to Dreamnews expressed deep concern over the development, saying it could send a wrong signal and raise a question mark on the integrity, credibility and transparency of the process

According to Ikpechukwu Emeka Loveday, an aspirant for Bende South State Constituency House of Assembly election, two returning officers (names withheld) for the primary election received the election materials at the state office of the party and was immediately whisked away by another aspirant.

“It is not about me; it is about the systemic disenfranchisement of thousands of Bende people who came out to choose their preferred candidates in the elections,” he said.

He expressed regret that the party that promised to raise the bar in Nigerian politics came down to such a level.

Dreamnews reporter who was at the venue for the election at Uzuakoli Town Hall, reports that one of the said electoral officer never showed up till at about 6Pm when the crowd began to disperse.

Mr. Loveday called on the national leadership of the party to urgently intervene and investigate the allegations to ensure that the integrity of the primary election process is protected.

As of the time of filing this report, the individuals mentioned in the allegations had not publicly responded, and the party leadership had not issued an official statement regarding the matter.