Minor Setback, Bigger Resolve: SKC Ogbonnia Vows to Fight for Enugu West Senate Ticket Through Courts

Former presidential candidate and Enugu West Senatorial aspirant, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, has described the recent submission of another candidate's name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a temporary setback, insisting that the battle for justice has only just begun.

Addressing supporters in a press statement on Wednesday, Ogbonnia expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming confidence, prayers, and support he has received throughout his campaign, saying their faith in him was rooted in decades of public service, national experience, intellectual leadership, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values.

He reflected on what he described as defining moments of courage in his political journey, including becoming the first major stakeholder from the ruling APC to endorse Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election and later issuing a strongly worded appeal to then-U.S. President Donald Trump to hold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accountable should any harm befall Obi.

According to Ogbonnia, the people of Enugu West chose him because they believe he possesses the competence, integrity, compassion, and courage needed to represent the district effectively while providing the strongest political anchor for the Obi/Kwankwaso movement in the zone.

That confidence, he said, has now been tested by what he called a shocking conspiracy within the NDC.

Ogbonnia alleged that after an aborted primary election in Enugu State, party officials failed to organize a fresh direct primary or pursue the legally required consensus process. Instead, he said, they uploaded the name of another individual to the INEC portal in what he described as a blatant violation of Nigeria's electoral laws.

He maintained that his supporters had turned out in overwhelming numbers for the scheduled primary, only for the exercise never to take place.

Rather than blame the individual whose name was submitted, Ogbonnia directed his criticism at what he called "political buccaneers" determined to impose a candidate on the people.

He also expressed disappointment that such events were unfolding within a political party associated with Peter Gregory Obi, whom he praised as a symbol of electoral integrity and democratic accountability.

Despite his frustration, Ogbonnia urged his supporters to reject violence and remain peaceful, saying the response must reflect the democratic ideals consistently championed by Obi.

Following extensive consultations, he announced that he had joined about 80 other aggrieved aspirants in existing court actions challenging the conduct of the NDC's candidate selection process in Enugu State.

According to him, the legal action seeks not only to reclaim what he considers stolen mandates but also to strengthen the electoral prospects of the Obi/Kwankwaso movement while defending the democratic rights of party members.

Having exhausted every internal avenue for redress, Ogbonnia said the courts now represent the most patriotic and lawful path to justice.

He encouraged supporters not to lose hope, reminding them that the legal window for candidate substitution remains open until August 29, 2026.

Confident that justice would prevail, Ogbonnia declared that he remains determined to appear on the ballot in the 2027 general election.

"This setback is not the end," he said. "It is merely the beginning of a righteous battle for the soul of our constituency, for Ndigbo, and for the Nigerian masses who desire authentic representation. Stand tall, stay peaceful, and keep faith. Justice will surely prevail."

He ended his message by thanking supporters for their steadfast loyalty and prayers, expressing confidence that, with God's grace, they would ultimately celebrate victory together.