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A Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirant in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, on Sunday decried unfairness in the country’s politics.

“The future of Nigeria cannot be built upon a foundation of electoral injustice. Our nation deserves better. Our people deserve better. Democracy deserves better. History will judge us not only by the battles we fought, but by the injustices we refused to tolerate.”

He also alleged that individuals who did not actively participate in the party's internal democratic process may have been favored over those who subjected themselves to the scrutiny of delegates and the electoral process.

“I participated in the recent senatorial primary election of our party with absolute faith in the process and with the conviction that the NDC would stand as a credible alternative to the culture of impunity, manipulation, and political brigandage that has weakened our democracy for decades. I believed that our party was founded to defend transparency, fairness, and the sovereign will of the people. Sadly, recent developments have raised serious concerns about whether those principles are being upheld.”

In a statement released in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, Orette described the outcome of the primary process as an assault on the democratic values upon which NDC claims to stand

“Information available to us suggests that the outcome of the primary process may not reflect the genuine wishes of party members and delegates who participated in the exercise.”

He called on the leadership of the NDC to immediately publish and defend the authentic results of the primary election, provide full transparency regarding the selection process, and address the concerns being raised by party members and stakeholders across Delta South Senatorial District and beyond.

“The issue before us is larger than any individual ambition. It concerns the integrity of the electoral process, the sanctity of the ballot, and the confidence of ordinary Nigerians who continue to believe that politics can be conducted with honesty and accountability.”

According to him, a political party that cannot protect the mandate of its own members cannot convincingly promise to protect the mandate of the Nigerian people’’

“When internal democracy is sacrificed on the altar of personal interests, political patronage, or backroom arrangements, the credibility of the entire political system is placed at risk.”

He promised to pursue every lawful and constitutional avenue available to ensure that justice is done.

“We will challenge any action that undermines the democratic process through the appropriate party mechanisms and, where necessary, through the courts of law.”

The US-based family medicine physician and Nigerian politician urged men and women of goodwill to stand for transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.

“This is not a fight for one candidate. It is a fight for every Nigerian who believes that merit should prevail over manipulation, that votes should count, and that democracy should not be reduced to a mere ceremonial exercise.”

He declared that political parties have no choice but to operate according to the principles they publicly profess.

“To all supporters of good governance, accountability, and political reform, this is a defining moment. Silence in the face of injustice only emboldens those who seek to undermine democratic institutions. We must collectively insist that political parties operate according to the principles they publicly profess.”

Credit: Henry Ovie