The African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District, Evang. Mrs. Juliet Nkechi Ani, has challenged what she described as the alleged continued claim by OAU Onyema to the ADC senatorial ticket, insisting that he did not participate in the party’s senatorial primary election that produced her as its candidate.

Addressing journalists in Enugu, Mrs. Ani alleged that Onyema previously participated fully in the senatorial primary process of another political platform, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), where, according to her, he emerged as a senatorial aspirant/candidate and subsequently campaigned extensively for the position.

She maintained that records of his participation in the NDC primary election and subsequent political activities were already in the public domain, arguing that his alleged subsequent movement to the ADC after the party had concluded its own primary process could not confer on him the party’s senatorial ticket.

According to Mrs. Ani, the issue is not about personal differences but about adherence to the rules governing political parties, electoral processes and the nomination of candidates for elective positions.

She stated that she emerged from the ADC senatorial primary for Enugu West after the party successfully completed its nomination process, stressing that she was the only candidate who emerged from the exercise.

Mrs. Ani further alleged that Onyema was a card-carrying member of the NDC and participated actively in the party’s political activities, including campaigning for the senatorial seat under the platform.

She therefore questioned the basis upon which he would subsequently claim the ADC senatorial ticket without, according to her, participating in the party’s primary election.

“He participated fully in the NDC primaries and campaigned massively for the senatorial seat under that platform. The evidence is available for everyone to see,” Mrs. Ani stated.

She argued that political parties operate under established rules and procedures, adding that individuals seeking elective positions must subject themselves to the nomination and primary processes of the parties under which they intend to contest.

The ADC candidate also made reference to Nigeria’s electoral laws, stressing that Onyema, being a lawyer, should understand the legal implications surrounding party primaries, nomination and the emergence of candidates.

She called on him to desist from what she described as “parading himself” as the ADC senatorial candidate for Enugu West, insisting that the party had already conducted its primary election and produced her as its candidate.

Mrs. Ani said the ADC primary election in Enugu West was peaceful and successful, maintaining that the outcome established her as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.

She further urged supporters of the party and her political movement not to be distracted by the controversy, assuring them that the process would ultimately speak for itself.

According to her, her campaign is focused on the bigger objective of securing victory for the ADC in the 2027 general election rather than engaging in unnecessary political distractions.

She assured her supporters that her name would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence in the party’s internal process and the legitimacy of her emergence.

Mrs. Ani also used the occasion to appreciate the leadership and officials of the African Democratic Congress, as well as party faithful and supporters across Enugu West Senatorial District, for what she described as their continued support, solidarity and confidence in her candidacy.

She appealed to party members to remain united, calm and focused as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

The unfolding controversy is expected to generate further political discussions in Enugu West as political parties and aspirants position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.

While Mrs. Ani has maintained that she is the duly nominated ADC senatorial candidate based on the party’s primary process, the competing claims surrounding the party’s ticket may require clarification from the relevant ADC authorities and, where applicable, the appropriate electoral and legal institutions.

For Mrs. Ani, however, the message to her supporters remains clear: the internal dispute will not derail her political ambition.

She said the campaign would remain focused on mobilising voters, strengthening the party’s structures across Enugu West and working towards victory in 2027.

“We cannot be distracted. Our focus is on winning the election come 2027,” she said.