Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Fresh controversy has erupted within the Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) barely 24 hours before the party’s House of Representatives primary election, with the state chairman, Hon. Dogo Shammah, facing explosive allegations of bribery and a plot to manipulate the outcome of the poll for the Karu, Keffi and Kokona Federal Constituency.
Aggrieved members of the party, who spoke with Stone Reporters News on condition of anonymity, accused Shammah of collecting N20 million to ensure the emergence of a preferred aspirant, Rt. Con Benjamin Gambo, as the party’s flagbearer for the constituency. The allegations, which have been circulating within party circles and on social media, claim that the primary election scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026, has already been compromised, with the chairman allegedly directing party officials and leaders to prepare predetermined results in favour of Gambo even before voting begins. The primary is expected to involve three aspirants: Hon. Zaharaddeen Ahmed Zangina, Rt. Con Benjamin Gambo, and Hon. Gawan A. Tasha.
The allegations have deepened existing tensions within the state chapter, with supporters of the affected aspirants accusing the chairman of influencing the process along ethnic and religious lines. Some party members have warned that if the allegations are ignored, the crisis could severely affect the unity and political strength of the NDC in Nasarawa State ahead of future elections. The development has been particularly awkward given that Shammah had, on 17 May 2026, announced the party’s adoption of a consensus mode of primaries for all elective positions in the state in order to “avoid any form of rifts” and strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. The chairman had also previously boasted about the NDC’s stable leadership and its positioning as the leading opposition in the state.
In a swift response, concerned stakeholders and supporters of the embattled aspirants have appealed to the national leadership of the NDC to urgently intervene and guarantee fairness, credibility and transparency in the conduct of the primary election. They have called on Senator Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader, and the National Working Committee to investigate the allegations and ensure that the will of party members is not subverted.
When contacted by Stone Reporters News on Friday morning, Shammah denied the allegations, describing them as false and the handiwork of mischief‑makers bent on destabilising the party. “I have not collected any money from any aspirant to rig any election. The NDC is a party built on transparency, and I remain committed to conducting a free and fair primary,” he said. He added that the party had established internal mechanisms to manage disputes and that anyone with evidence of wrongdoing should bring it forward through official channels.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC’s national leadership had not issued an official statement on the allegations. The primary election is still scheduled to proceed on Friday, May 29, 2026, but party insiders say tension remains high, and many members are watching anxiously to see whether the vote will be conducted credibly or whether the crisis will escalate further.
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