A crisis of confidence is brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State following allegations of interference and manipulation surrounding the party’s State House of Assembly primary election for Ekeremor Constituency 3.
Aggrieved party loyalists and youths from Aghoro Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area have accused former Bayelsa First Lady, Dr. Rachael Dickson, of allegedly attempting to influence the outcome of the primary election in favour of her younger cousin, Mr. Alex Jenakumo.
The youths insist that Hon. Johnbull Cleopas emerged as the legitimate winner of the direct primary election conducted by the party and have warned against any move to alter the outcome of the exercise.
According to community leaders and party supporters, Hon. Cleopas secured overwhelming support during the primary election, defeating his closest rival, Mr. Alex Jenakumo. They alleged that despite the outcome of the election, efforts are being made by influential figures within the party to overturn the result.
The protesters described any such move as unfair, undemocratic, and capable of undermining the confidence of party members in the electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of concerned youths, community leaders noted that both Hon. Cleopas and Mr. Jenakumo are sons of Aghoro Community and should therefore be treated equally.
They said a town crier announcement had earlier appealed for fairness and neutrality from all stakeholders, including the former First Lady, whom they described as a mother figure to the entire community.
“Anything short of fairness and justice will be viewed as partiality and oppression,” the youths reportedly warned, adding that they would resist any attempt to impose a candidate against the wishes of the people.
The youths maintained that the direct primary election had been duly conducted and concluded, with Hon. Johnbull Cleopas declared winner by the electoral officials.
They further cautioned that any attempt to overturn the outcome could alienate party supporters in Aghoro and other communities within the constituency, potentially affecting the party’s electoral fortunes in the area.
Results announced by the party’s electoral officials showed that Hon. Johnbull Cleopas polled 245 votes to emerge winner of the direct primary conducted at the Ekeremor Constituency 3 headquarters in Aghoro Community.
The results were collated by Mr. Ayibakuro Peter and announced by the electoral officer, Mr. Oweila Adaka, at the conclusion of the exercise.
Party stakeholders also recalled that earlier attempts by some members of the local caucus to adopt a preferred candidate had been resisted by leaders and stakeholders from the constituency.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on May 27, 2026, the five aspirants who purchased expression of interest forms—Hon. Steven Emiemene, Hon. Johnbull Cleopas, Barr. Worked Ekpetun, Mr. Alex Jenakumo, and Mr. Solomon Ikpaka—were screened and considered by party leaders.
Following deliberations, the aspirants were reportedly narrowed down to Hon. Johnbull Cleopas and Mr. Alex Jenakumo.
A subsequent vote by stakeholders reportedly produced Hon. Cleopas as the preferred candidate with 12 votes, while Mr. Jenakumo secured seven votes.
Based on the outcome, Hon. Cleopas was declared the consensus candidate of Ekeremor Constituency 3 at the stakeholders’ level.
However, stakeholders alleged that three members of the Ekeremor NDC caucus—Chief Suru Oyarede, Elder Simeon Epebifie, and Hon. Pius Jonah—alongside the NDC Chairman in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mr. Ebide Brown, later forwarded the name of Mr. Alex Jenakumo to party authorities despite the stakeholders’ decision.
The stakeholders claimed the action was carried out on the basis of directives from higher authorities within the party.
They described the development as an affront to democratic principles and a disregard for the collective decision reached by party leaders and stakeholders within the constituency.
Reaffirming their position, the stakeholders stated that Hon. Johnbull Cleopas remains their preferred candidate and vowed to resist any attempt to substitute or impose another aspirant.
According to them, any individual or group seeking to override the wishes of the constituency should be prepared to bear responsibility for the political consequences of such actions.
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