By Nwamulu Namma
Honorable Frank Chike Okoli, also known as Aneliaku Junior, has described the conduct of the recent NDC primary election in Orumba North and South as a “kangaroo process” that did not follow the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Okoli, who aspired to represent Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said no proper ward primaries were held as required by law.
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Speaking in an interview in Abuja, the Ndiouwu-born politician said the party instead conducted the exercise at the local government headquarters in both Orumba North and South without proper notice to aspirants.
“I was not there because what they did was not what is supposed to be done. For me, there was no primary,” Okoli stated.
He accused the party of selling its ticket “to he who has more money,” saying he did not have the resources to buy his way through but was confident that “the people will decide” eventually.
Okoli, however, reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC and to its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, whom he said he has followed from Labour Party to NDC.
The aspirant said he is a major stakeholder in the NDC in Orumba North and South, claiming he was responsible for bringing the party to the two local government areas.
“Offices in Orumba North, offices in Orumba South, I gave it to NDC, and in my own ward Ndiouwu, the office the NDC has is from me,” he said.
He added that during the party’s mass online registration, he championed roadshows that led to the registration of a good number of indigenes of Orumba North and South into the NDC.
On the state of the party, Okoli expressed disappointment but said the development would not affect the chances of Peter Obi in 2027.
“Many of us that are complaining have Peter Obi in mind, so we are working for Peter Obi. We are not working for any other person,” he said.
He apportioned blame for the internal crisis in the party to the founder, Sir Dickson, and the National Secretary, Enekwezu, accusing them of poor management during the screening process.
Okoli also welcomed the entry of Rabiu Kwankwaso into the NDC, describing it as “a very big boost” to the party’s prospects in the north ahead of 2027.
He disclosed that he has not withdrawn his aspiration and is still pursuing the matter legally.
Okoli, a chartered public administrator who is currently pursuing a PhD, said he works as a legislative aide in the office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
