Ex-NDC Aspirant Sues Party, Demands ₦20 Million Refund

A lawyer and former senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu West, Enugu State, Ogochukwu Onyema, has dragged the party to court over an alleged ₦20 million payment.

Onyema is seeking a refund of the money, which he claimed was obtained through alleged misrepresentation and undue influence.

The suit was filed before the Enugu State High Court with the number E/169/2026.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the national leader of the party, Seriaki Dickson; Moses Zunoghe; two others; and First City Monument Bank.

Naija News understands that Onyema, who later became the senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu West after failing to secure the NDC ticket, is also demanding ₦5 million as special damages.

The claimant is asking the court to freeze account number 1046691859, allegedly belonging to the party and domiciled with FCMB, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He is also seeking an order directing the defendants to refund ₦20,000,000 from the account or any other source to his originating account.

According to the court papers, the money should be returned to account number 1023323381, UBA, OAU Onyema & Co, domiciled at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.

Onyema is also demanding ₦200m against the defendants jointly and severally for what he described as psychological trauma, embarrassment, hardship, discomfiture and inconvenience allegedly caused by their conduct.

He further asked the court to award 10 per cent monthly interest on the ₦20m from June 2, 2026, when his demand letter was acknowledged by the party, until the money is fully paid.

He is also seeking interest on any judgment sum from the date of judgment until final liquidation.

The court has tentatively adjourned the matter to Thursday, July 2, 2026, for returns on assignment of court and date.

Onyema had earlier alleged that he was “duped” after paying several sums described as “party support” as a condition for securing the ticket.

He said he wrote to the party demanding a refund after he was denied the ticket, but resorted to legal action after waiting without success.