Politics
Party Primaries: Anambra PDP Appeal Panel Disqualifies Ozigbo, Nwoye, Others
Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s election in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo; House of Representatives member, Chuma Nzeribe, and others are among those that have been disqualified by the party’s National Assembly Screening Panel.
The panel also disqualified Obinna Uzor, Tony Nwoye, Dr. Chira Obiora and Johnmary Akachukwu.
The three-man panel made up of Dr. Alfred Isename, chairman; Okpara Ahamefula, member and Barr. Imo Williams, secretary, said in their report, dated May 3, 2022, that the candidates were disqualified for allegedly lying on oath and other factors. However, the panel upheld the candidacy of Vincent Ofumelu, Iwunor Ndife, Offor Kingsley and Obinna Menakaya.
In its findings the panel said Ozigbo was disqualified because he submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms late and did not show or prove to the panel that he submitted his form on time.
“The aspirant was more concerned about his status as leader of the party, rather than show reasonable cause to the panel as to the timing of his submissions to the party,” the panel said.
On Dr. Uzor, the panel said he deliberately misinformed the party in his nomination form.
“At Column 12 of the aspirant’s nomination form, the question was asked if he had ever been tried by any Court of Law. He answered in the negative, suggesting that he had never been tried by any Court of Law.
“The panel is in receipt of a charge before the Federal High Court-Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/78/2020 between FRN v. Eziafa Samuel Enwedo & Obinna Uzoh.
“The above shows that the aspirant deliberately failed to disclose the facts of this charge, his arraignment and trial,” the panel stated.
The panel said Nzeribe deliberately misinformed and lied to the party. Noting that there was a subsisting Bench Warrant issued against the aspirant for his arrest by a court of competent jurisdiction on March 21, 2022; adding that the aspirant despite repeated assurance that he “is on his way to Abuja to appear before the panel, did not make himself available to speak on the allegations against him, rather he sent a legal representative to submit an appeal against his disqualification.”
On Nwoye, the panel alleged that he was disqualified because he was one of those that destroyed Anambra State in 2004 and had a documented history of tax related infractions.
“That the aspirant obtained and received a tax clearance certificate issued by the Anambra State Government which listed his source of income as medical practices, whereas, the aspirant is not a graduate, talk less of being a medical doctor; that the aspirant has a record of lying under oath. That the aspirant was a medical student who dropped out of UNEC medical school in year three and was rusticated by the school authorities for cult related activities,” the panel said.
The state chairman of the party, Dr Babandi Gumel, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Saturday.
According to the statement, the Jigawa PDP received news of Alhaji Lamido’s suspension with “profound shock and disappointment”.
The statement added that the suspension, which was reportedly based on allegations that Alhaji Lamido attended meetings capable of undermining party unity, amounts to an affront to justice, internal democracy and the reconciliation efforts recently championed by the PDP leadership.
The party stressed that the exercise of legal and constitutional rights within the party should not be interpreted as an act of disunity. It recalled that Alhaji Lamido approached the court after he was allegedly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest the position of National Chairman of the PDP.
The statement further noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled in Alhaji Lamido’s favour by restraining the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until his right to contest was determined.
The Jigawa PDP argued that the suspension appeared to be a punitive action against Alhaji Lamido for seeking judicial redress over an issue on which the court had already found merit.
The party also faulted the decision of the BoT for contradicting recent public statements by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who had emphasised reconciliation within the party, admitted past mistakes and appealed to aggrieved members to return fully to the PDP fold.
However, it maintained that suspending a founding member who sought justice through legal means runs contrary to the spirit of reconciliation and healing publicly advocated by the party leadership.
The chairman said the suspension was premature and prejudicial, as the matter remains before the courts. He also described Alhaji Lamido as one of the few founding fathers of the PDP who has remained loyal to the party without defecting, warning that punishing such loyalty sends a negative signal to other committed members.
The party further argued that the action undermines party unity at a time when the PDP requires cohesion to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It also insisted that there is no provision in the PDP constitution that allows for the suspension of a “life member”.
The party called on the BoT to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the suspension of Alhaji Lamido.
It also demanded that the BoT publicly affirm the right of all party members to aspire to leadership positions in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the country, without fear of victimisation.
It further urged the BoT to retrace its steps, align its actions with its reconciliation agenda, and tender an apology to Alhaji Lamido.
The Jigawa PDP reaffirmed its commitment to a united, democratic and law-abiding Party.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC warned that if proven, such actions would amount to a serious breach of constitutional order, legislative integrity, and public trust.
The organisation noted that Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly defined by the Constitution, stressing that any alteration of a bill after parliamentary passage undermines democratic governance and the principle of separation of powers.
CISLAC further emphasised that taxation has direct implications for citizens, businesses, sub-national governments, and the overall economy. It stated that uncertainty or a lack of transparency in tax legislation could erode investor confidence and raise concerns about accountability and the possible abuse of executive power.
The organisation described the situation as particularly troubling given the rare inclusive, and thorough public consultation that shaped the law’s final provisions prior to its passage.
“This process brought together taxpayers, civil society groups, professional organisations, the private sector, labour unions, local governments, and technical experts, ensuring that diverse viewpoints were considered and carefully balanced.
“Any unilateral changes to these agreed-upon provisions, made outside the established legislative process and without renewed public engagement, not only breach public trust but also violate the fundamental tax principle of representation, which holds that citizens must have a meaningful voice in shaping the laws that govern how they are taxed. Such actions undermine democratic accountability, weaken the legitimacy of the tax system, and risk eroding public confidence”, it noted.
CISLAC expressed particular concern that uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of the tax law, coming at a time when a new tax regime is expected to take effect, could exacerbate the economic hardship already faced by many Nigerians.
It observed that citizens are contending with rising living costs, inflationary pressures, declining purchasing power, and reduced access to basic services, warning that implementing a disputed tax framework under such conditions, risks deepening inequality, discouraging compliance, and fuelling public resentment.
The organisation stressed that tax reforms must be anchored in clarity, legality, fairness, and social sensitivity, cautioning that any tax system introduced without full transparency, adequate public communication, and legislative certainty undermines voluntary compliance and weakens the social contract between the state and its citizens.
As part of its recommendations, CISLAC called on the Presidency to urgently publish the exact version of the tax law assented to, alongside the authenticated copy passed by the National Assembly, to allow for public and institutional verification.
It also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to promptly exercise its oversight powers to determine whether the assented law reflects the will of the legislature, including a review of the enrolled bill process.
The organisation maintained that any discrepancy discovered should be treated as unconstitutional and addressed through lawful means, such as the re-transmission of the correct bill or judicial interpretation where necessary. It further called for an independent review of the process by relevant institutions, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and, where required, the judiciary, to establish the facts and assign responsibility.
CISLAC noted that the controversy highlights the urgent need to strengthen safeguards at the legislative and executive interface. It recommended measures such as digital tracking of bills, public access to enrolled legislation, and more transparent assent procedures.
CISLAC emphasised that the issue is not about partisan politics but about safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It warned that allowing any arm of government to unilaterally alter laws passed by another sets a dangerous precedent and weakens constitutional democracy.
The organisation urged all parties involved to act with restraint, openness, and fidelity to the Constitution, noting that Nigerians deserve laws that reflect due process, the public interest, and the collective decisions of their elected representatives.
CISLAC added that it will continue to monitor developments and engage relevant stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s governance processes.
