A group under the aegis of Concerned Youths of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State has staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, demanding transparency and fairness in the party’s candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, urged the party leadership to ensure that only credible, competent and widely accepted candidates emerge to represent the party in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the protest, the convener of the group, Ejiribeofor Omeke, said the demonstration was aimed at protecting the interests of both the party and the people of Nsukka.

According to him, a significant portion of the support base that previously backed the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has now aligned with the NDC.

“Our protest is in the interest of the NDC in Nsukka Local Government. We are passionate supporters of the party in Nsukka,” Omeke said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the party’s inability to conduct proper primaries in Nsukka during its recent exercise, warning that the lack of a transparent process could undermine the party’s chances in future elections.

Omeke urged the party leadership to avoid imposing candidates on the people, stressing that only aspirants with strong grassroots support and public acceptance should be given the party’s ticket.

“We are calling on the NDC leadership to be straightforward and transparent in selecting candidates. Once candidates are imposed, it often leads to failure. The people of Nsukka want candidates who are grounded, widely accepted and capable of defending their interests.

“Such an outcome would not only disappoint the people of Nsukka but also damage the fortunes of the NDC as a political party. What the people of Nsukka are asking for is simple: give us the right candidates.

“Do not present unpopular candidates. Give us candidates who are grounded, widely accepted and capable of fighting for the interests of Nsukka. We want candidates who enjoy public support and do not appear to have been imposed on the people. If this is done, the NDC stands a strong chance of success in the elections,” he said.

The youth leader noted that the party would face stiff competition from incumbent office holders and therefore needed candidates with the political capacity to mobilise voters and secure victory at the polls.

In an open letter addressed to NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, presidential candidate Peter Obi, members of the party’s National Working Committee and its Enugu State leadership, the group called for competence, acceptability and electability to be prioritised in the selection of candidates.

The youths also referenced the party’s recent primaries held at St. Theresa Secondary School, Nsukka, alleging that the process failed to meet expectations of transparency and credibility.

“Our people are still reflecting on the painful disappointment suffered when candidates elected under the Labour Party later abandoned the mandate of the people and defected to the ruling party. The youths of Nsukka are determined not to allow such a situation to repeat itself.

“We need candidates who can not only win elections for themselves but also mobilise support that will contribute significantly to the victory of Mr Peter Obi and our party at all levels,” the statement added.

They further argued that while Obi remains a symbol of hope for many Nigerians, the party must complement his popularity with candidates who enjoy strong local support and political credibility.

The group warned that supporters would challenge any process perceived as unfair or lacking transparency through all lawful means available.

The protesters, however, maintained that they were not backing any particular aspirant but were advocating for a transparent process capable of producing candidates with genuine grassroots support and the ability to win elections.