Alpha Times

Ebonyi Central Protesters Demand Restoration of NDC Senatorial Ticket to Chief C. Sagas

By Charles Nwoke || AlphaTimes

Ebonyi Sons and Daughters of Ebonyi Central Senatorial District on Friday staged a peaceful protest at the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), demanding the restoration of the Ebonyi Central Senatorial ticket to Arc. Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, popularly known as Chief C. Sagas. The protesters described him as the duly elected winner of the party's senatorial contest and called on the NDC leadership to uphold justice and internal democracy.

The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as "Justice for Ebonyi Central," "Respect Ebonyi Central Voters," "Correct the Wrong in Ebonyi Central," and "Ebonyi Central Has Spoken." They urged the national leadership of the NDC to intervene and reverse what they described as an injustice against the people of Ebonyi Central Senatorial District. The group maintained that Chief C. Sagas legitimately emerged as the winner of the process that produced the party's senatorial candidate but was allegedly denied the ticket under questionable circumstances.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the demonstrators insisted that the democratic choice of party members must be respected. They declared that the people of Ebonyi Central had clearly spoken through the electoral process and deserved to have their decision honoured. One of the protesters stated that the mandate, voice, and vote of the people belong to Chief C. Sagas and should be returned to him without delay.

The group appealed to the National Leader, National Chairman, Presidential Candidate Mr Peter Obi, and other key stakeholders of the NDC to urgently review the matter. They expressed confidence that the party leadership would act in accordance with the principles of justice, transparency, and democracy. According to the protesters, restoring the Ebonyi Central Senatorial ticket to Chief C. Sagas would strengthen confidence in the party's commitment to fairness.

The protesters also argued that equity and political balance support the candidature of Chief C. Sagas, who hails from Ikwo Local Government Area. They noted that Ezza has occupied the Senate seat for more than two decades, while Ishielu has also produced a senator for about eight years. According to the group, Ikwo remains the only major component of Ebonyi Central that has never produced a senator. They stated that equitable representation requires the opportunity to be extended to Ikwo.

In addition, the protesters raised concerns about what they described as the concentration of political representation in Ezza North Local Government Area. They alleged that both Professor Bernard Odoh and Rt. Hon. Anayo are from the same local government and warned that such a situation could negatively affect the popularity of the party ahead of future elections. They stressed that addressing the concerns of party members is necessary to preserve unity and strengthen the NDC's electoral prospects in Ebonyi State.

The group called on supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the response of the party leadership. They stressed that their demand was not for special treatment but for the restoration of a mandate they believe was earned through a democratic process. The protesters further maintained that a transparent and united NDC remains the strongest platform for electoral success in Ebonyi State and across Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters remained at the premises of the NDC National Secretariat, waving placards and chanting calls for justice. They reiterated their demand that the NDC leadership respect the will of Ebonyi Central voters and restore the mandate of Chief C. Sagas. The group also stated that it would continue its peaceful demonstration until the party leadership responds to its demands.