Senatorial Aspirant Petitions EFCC Over Alleged ₦20 Million Extortion by NDC Screening Committe

A legal practitioner and former senatorial aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Sir OAU Onyema, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged collection of ₦20 million through misrepresentation, coercive pressure, and undue influence by members of the party’s senatorial screening committee.

According to the petition dated June 3, 2026, and received by the EFCC on June 9, Onyema claimed he was led to believe that the payment was necessary to demonstrate his capacity and seriousness as a contender for the Enugu West Senatorial ticket.

The petitioner stated that he had already purchased the party’s Expression of Interest Form for ₦3 million and voluntarily paid a ₦500,000 development levy before the screening exercise.

Onyema alleged that during the screening, the committee chairman, former Governor Sam Egwu, informed aspirants that senatorial hopefuls were expected to contribute ₦20 million, while governorship and House of Representatives aspirants were expected to contribute ₦50 million and ₦10 million respectively.

Although the contribution was reportedly described as voluntary, Onyema argued that the conduct and remarks of party officials created the impression that payment was a prerequisite for serious consideration.

He further claimed that after making the payment and providing proof to the screening committee, he later discovered that several aspirants who did not make similar contributions were still being considered by the party.

The former aspirant maintained that he would not have paid the ₦20 million if not for the representations allegedly made by party officials and members of the screening panel.

Onyema also alleged that despite participating in the screening and primary election process, he was neither issued nomination documents nor officially informed of the status of his candidature.

Following his resignation from the party, he reportedly demanded a refund of the ₦20 million through a formal letter to the party leadership, but claimed that no response was received.

In the petition, Onyema urged the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collection and use of the funds, determine the roles played by individuals involved, recover the money, and prosecute anyone found culpable of financial misconduct.

As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the NDC had not publicly responded to the allegations.