BREAKING: NDC Senatorial Aspirant Petitions EFCC Over Alleged ₦20 Million Extortion Scheme

An aspirant seeking the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial ticket has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that members of the party's Senatorial Screening Committee extorted ₦20 million from him under the guise of securing his nomination.

The petition was reportedly received at the office of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to details contained in the petition and information shared by whistleblower account Pidomnigeria on X, the aspirant had initially purchased the party's Expression of Interest Form for ₦3 million in line with the party's stipulated requirements.

However, the aspirant alleged that upon arriving in Abuja for the mandatory screening exercise, he was presented with an undertaking to sign, committing to abide by the decisions of the screening committee and waiving his right to institute legal action against the party.

Believing that the screening process would focus on his political experience, qualifications, grassroots support, and public service record, the aspirant reportedly signed the document.

According to the allegations, members of the screening panel instead questioned him extensively about his bank statements, property holdings, vehicle ownership, investments, and overall financial capacity.

A source familiar with the petition claimed that the aspirant was informed that demonstrating substantial financial strength was necessary to qualify for the senatorial ticket.

The petition further alleged that the committee provided the aspirant with an account number belonging to First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and directed him to pay ₦20 million to secure the nomination. The aspirant reportedly complied with the directive but alleged that communication from party officials ceased afterwards.

He is now seeking a refund of the ₦20 million and has asked the EFCC to investigate the matter over allegations of fraud, extortion, and criminal conspiracy.

The latest development comes amid previous allegations made by actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, who had accused the party leadership of imposing financial demands on aspirants seeking elective positions.

Okonkwo had also referenced complaints allegedly raised by House of Representatives aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu, who claimed that House of Representatives aspirants were asked to pay ₦10 million, while senatorial aspirants were required to pay ₦20 million before candidates were selected.

The NDC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, while the EFCC has not publicly commented on the petition or any investigation arising from the claims.

The allegations remain unproven, and no court or anti-graft agency has established wrongdoing against the party or any individuals mentioned.