NDC South-East official rejects allegations of threats and payment demand

National Democratic Congress South-East vice-chairman Teddy Obe has denied allegations that party leaders threatened the life of the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State, Ceejay Ezebuiro. Obe also rejected Ezebuiro’s claim that party officials demanded N150 million from him to retain his ticket. In a statement issued on Sunday, he described the allegations as serious and unfounded and challenged Ezebuiro to provide evidence.

The vice-chairman specifically denied asking Ezebuiro for money, either personally or on behalf of the party. He requested proof of any alleged payment into a private account, including a transaction trail, and called for details of the meeting where the demand was allegedly made. Obe said the accusation that party leaders planned to eliminate Ezebuiro was false.

He argued that disagreements over a party ticket should not be portrayed as threats to a person’s life without verifiable evidence. He also rejected the claim that he helped organise a plan to force Ezebuiro to surrender his nomination. Obe said disputes concerning party primaries were subject to internal procedures and applicable electoral laws, adding that no individual could unilaterally transfer a ticket legitimately won by a candidate.

Obe demanded that Ezebuiro retract the allegations within 14 days or face legal action. He said the candidate should also substantiate his assertion that INEC had already recognised him as the party’s candidate, stating that the status of any disputed nomination should be established through INEC records and court processes. Ezebuiro had earlier alleged that South-East party leaders threatened him if he refused to give up the ticket or pay N150 million.

He said the alleged threats followed his victory in a May 28, 2026 National Assembly primary and named several party officials.