Protesters Tell NDC: Reject Nelson Maduka Arum or Risk Losing Enugu North/South
ENUGU — Tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections escalated on Tuesday as a group of concerned voters and stakeholders from Enugu North/South Federal Constituency staged a protest and submitted a formal petition to the National Chairman and National Working Committee (NWC) of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), calling on the party leadership to halt the House of Representatives ambition of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum.
The protesters, led by Mr. Onyekwere Onu and supported by Mr. Osim Joshua, Ifeoma Ukwu, George Uche Nnamani, Paschal Mgbemene, and Nneka Janet Ahanonu, expressed strong opposition to what they described as attempts to position Hon. Arum as the party's candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Addressing journalists, the protesters alleged that Hon. Arum was strategically planted within the NDC by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the party's chances in the constituency. They further claimed that he lacks the electoral appeal, grassroots support, and public credibility required to secure victory for the party in the forthcoming election.
Our correspondent, who reviewed portions of the petition, noted that the petitioners alleged that Hon. Maduka remains an active member of the ruling APC despite his association with the NDC. They further claimed that his House of Representatives aspiration is being driven by interests aligned with the APC and is aimed at weakening the NDC from within. According to the petitioners, his emergence as the party's candidate could ultimately advance the political objectives of the ruling party and undermine the NDC's electoral prospects in Enugu North/South Federal Constituency.
An anonymous party stakeholder, who requested anonymity, alleged that the National Chairman and National Secretary of the NDC had been compromised and were actively working to facilitate the aspirant's emergence despite what he described as widespread opposition from party stakeholders and grassroots members throughout the constituency.
The concerned voters claimed that Hon. Maduka is not suitable for public office, alleging that he frequently gets involved in public fights and altercations. They maintained that his conduct has eroded confidence among many grassroots supporters, who believe he lacks the character required to represent the constituency.
The protesters further referenced past incidents they claimed had negatively affected Hon. Arum's public image. According to them, he allegedly slapped former Senator Gil Emeka Nnaji during a confrontation at ShopRite Enugu in 2015. They alleged that the situation became so tense that only the intervention of Hon. Offor Chukwuegbo prevented the confrontation from escalating further. They also alleged that he was involved in a separate altercation with a serving Divisional Police Officer attached to New Haven Police Station, Enugu.
According to the petitioners, these allegations reflect what they described as a troubling pattern of conduct characterized by intolerance, arrogance, and disregard for constituted authority. They argued that such concerns have raised serious questions regarding his temperament, leadership disposition, and suitability for public office.
The group also expressed concerns over Hon. Arum's previous political association with the APC, arguing that many party faithful remain unconvinced about his commitment to the ideology, vision, and long-term objectives of the NDC. They urged the party leadership to carefully scrutinize his political history before entrusting him with the party's mandate.
Additionally, the protesters cited concerns surrounding his alleged business and political relationships with the current administration in Enugu State. They argued that his reported involvement in government contracts has fueled doubts among party members regarding his political independence and loyalty to the NDC.
The demonstrators warned that any attempt to impose Hon. Arum on the constituency could trigger disaffection among party members, weaken grassroots mobilization efforts, and jeopardize the party's electoral prospects in Enugu North/South Federal Constituency. They therefore called on the National Working Committee to conduct a transparent and comprehensive review of all issues raised before taking any decision on the party's candidate for the 2027 election.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum had not publicly responded to the allegations raised by the protesters. Likewise, the National Working Committee of the NDC had not issued any official statement on the matter. All allegations contained in the protest and petition remain the claims of the protesters and have not been independently verified.
