NDC South-East leader denies making threats to candidate

The National Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, South-East, Mr Teddy Obe, has rejected claims from the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Mr Ceejay Ezebuiro. Ezebuiro alleged that party leaders threatened his life and asked him for money to keep his ticket.

Obe called these claims serious and baseless. He urged Ezebuiro to provide clear evidence for his statements, especially the claim that party officials demanded N150 million or planned to harm him. Obe stated that these accusations could harm the reputation of the individuals named and the party itself.

This information was shared in a statement on Sunday, which Obe signed and sent to PUNCH online.

He specifically denied asking for any money from Ezebuiro, either personally or on behalf of the NDC. He challenged Ezebuiro to show proof of any supposed payment, including details of the alleged transaction into a private account.

Obe stressed that the claim about him and other party leaders threatening Ezebuiro’s life was completely false. He added that disagreements over party tickets should not be framed as life threats without solid proof.

Party Procedures and Authority

The NDC South-East vice-chairman also rejected the idea that he was involved in any plan to force Ezebuiro to give up his ticket to another candidate. He explained that party primaries and any disputes follow the party’s rules and electoral laws. No one has the power to simply transfer a ticket already won by a candidate.

Obe challenged Ezebuiro to publicly share evidence of the alleged meeting where he said party leaders demanded money from him. He asked for the date, location, names of those present, and any documents related to the alleged financial exchanges.

He pointed out that the claim of $10 million being paid in cash was serious and should be backed by proof, not just media reports. Obe urged Ezebuiro to withdraw his statement within 14 days or face legal consequences.

Obe said, “I completely reject the allegations attributed to me. I have never threatened Ceejay Ezebuiro’s life, demanded money from him, or asked him to surrender any ticket to anybody.

“If he has evidence that I demanded money from him or took part in any alleged plot against his life, he should present it to the appropriate authorities and to the public. These are very serious allegations and should not be made without evidence.

“He should rather retract the statement within 14 days or face legal action. I also challenge him to produce evidence of the alleged payment into any private account and identify the account holder. If such a payment was made, there should be a transaction trail.”

He added that the party leadership is committed to resolving genuine disputes through proper internal methods and the courts if necessary. Obe also asked the public to differentiate between complaints from upset party members and facts established through evidence or competent authorities.

He said Ezebuiro could pursue legal action if he believed his rights were violated. But he should not use unfounded claims to accuse party officials of criminal acts.

The NDC leader also asked Ezebuiro to back up his claim that the Independent National Electoral Commission recognized him as the party’s candidate. He pointed out that the legal status of any contested nomination should come from INEC records and court actions.

Obe maintained that the party would not let such claims distract them, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching. He said the NDC is focused on upholding democratic processes, accountability, and the rule of law. Any member with a real complaint should follow the right channels to seek justice.

Earlier, Ezebuiro had accused the South-East leaders of the party of threatening his life if he did not give up the party ticket or pay N150 million. He mentioned leaders such as Teddy Obe, National Secretary Ikenna Morgan, Chief Martin Agbaso, and former Imo State governor Achike Udenwa as part of the threats.

”National officers of my party, NDC, mostly from the South-East, have made plans to eliminate me and attribute it to the current insecurity challenge because I emerged victorious in the May 28, 2026 National Assembly primary,” Ezebuiro told a group of journalists in Owerri.