BY AHMED AKANBI
Former Director of Mobilisation of the Obidient Movement, Morris Monye, has alleged that he was unfairly substituted as the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for Aniocha North Constituency in Delta State despite winning the party’s primary election.
In a detailed post on his X handle, Monye said he kept silent for nearly two months to avoid distracting from the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi.
He disclosed that he later travelled to the United States on a short vacation to regain composure before deciding to speak publicly on the matter.
According to Monye, the controversy began after the defection of some prominent APC figures into the NDC in Delta State, which he claimed triggered moves to replace him as the party’s candidate.
”When news of this substitution started filtering in due to entrants of newly defected APC strongmen in Delta State, I had to run to H.E. Peter Obi late at night to brief him on what was going on,” Monye stated.
He alleged that those behind the substitution justified their action by claiming he lost the primary, insisting that the official result announced did not reflect the actual outcome.
”The narrative from the new entrants was that I lost the primaries to justify the substitution. The returning officer wrote a result to favour the said person. That became the legality used by the powers that be in Delta North,” he alleged.
Monye said he was not seeking preferential treatment but only wanted the legitimate winner of the primary election to be recognised by the party.
He said Obi expressed concern after hearing his complaints and advised him to report such issues promptly whenever they occur.
Following consultations with Obi and other party leaders including Dr Tanko, Dr Mo, Mama Pee, Peter Akah, Esther and Ibrahim, Monye said he resolved to abandon any legal or political challenge over the disputed ticket in the interest of party unity.
”After much deliberation on the way forward and fatherly counsel from PO, I decided not to pursue my own election matter any longer out of respect for our Principal, H.E. Peter Obi, and the journey ahead,” he said.
The former Obidient leader stressed that his goal is not political office but a better Nigeria. He also appealed to his supporters in Aniocha North to remain calm and announced plans for a thank-you tour across the constituency.
Monye further acknowledged the support of Peter Akah and Caleb Garuba, who he said stood by him throughout the dispute.
His remarks come months after reports that he won the NDC primary for the Aniocha North seat pending ratification by the national leadership.
The post also marks another milestone in his renewed relationship with Obi after apologising in May 2025 for his resignation from the Obidient Movement and admitting his previous criticisms were driven by frustration.