‘I Moved From Frying Pan to Hell Fire’ — Edo South Aspirant Laments NDC Primary Crisis

Former House of Representatives member and Edo South senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has voiced frustration over his experience within the party, describing his move from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC as a transition “from the frying pan to hell fire.”

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News’ News Day programme on Friday, Agbonayinwa alleged that despite emerging victorious in the party’s senatorial primary election, he is being prevented from appearing on the ballot.

The former governorship aspirant claimed that the NDC’s internal processes have left him disappointed, noting that he had never encountered such challenges during his previous stints in either the APC or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, party leaders initially attempted to persuade aspirants to reach a consensus candidate before conducting a direct primary when those efforts failed.

“We went through rigorous processes. I understand that they are a new party, but I have never experienced this, whether in the APC or the PDP,” he said.

Agbonayinwa questioned the delay in announcing the outcome of the primary election, stating that the exercise was conducted on May 29, yet no official declaration had been made as of June 5.

He also expressed surprise over what he described as a change in position by the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson.

The Edo politician said Dickson, whom he described as a longtime friend and respected political associate, had encouraged him to contest for the Senate seat under the NDC.

Recounting their interaction, Agbonayinwa said he consulted the former Bayelsa State governor before making his decision and was persuaded to consider the senatorial race instead of pursuing a return to the House of Representatives.

However, he alleged that during a recent meeting, Dickson denied ever advising him to purchase the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms.

“To my greatest surprise, the same man who asked me to buy the form said during our meeting this morning that he never made such a suggestion,” Agbonayinwa claimed.

The development adds to growing concerns over internal disputes within emerging political parties as preparations continue ahead of future electoral contests.