Hon. Philip Ikechukwu Onwuka Resigns From NDC Citing Stolen Mandate, Plans to Join Another Party Alongside 4,000 Supporters

Hon. Philip Ikechukwu Onwuka, former Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II aspirant and purported winner of the May 29, 2026 NDC primary election, has extended gratitude to his campaign team, supporters, and party faithful through his Capital Movement platform for their unwavering support during the truncated political endeavour.

During a gathering of the Capital Movement at Gbolahan High School in Ajao Estate, which drew a large crowd of supporters and loyalists from Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II and other parts of Lagos State, Hon. Philip Onwuka expressed appreciation to his supporters, stating that, ‘Together, we made a courageous decision to transition from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), driven by our belief in a platform that would better serve the aspirations of our people. This decision required sacrifice, faith, and commitment, and you all stood with us every step of the way.’ 

While expressing profound disappointment and sadness regarding the outcome of events following the widely commended, credible, inclusive, transparent, peaceful, and fair NDC House of Representatives primary election held at the open field of Seith Adeniji Street, Ajao Estate, where he overwhelmingly won with a significant margin of 1,051 votes to represent the NDC in the Oshodi/Isolo Federal House of Representatives in the 2027 general election, surpassing Hon. Okey Okey-Joe Oniakalusi, the incumbent member of the House of Representatives, who garnered 314 votes and placed second.

Hon. Onwuka noted that despite his transparent and open victory, NDC party leaders decided to award the mandate to Hon. Okey-Joe Oniakalusi, the losing candidate. ‘I questioned why my mandate was taken away, and I was told that NDC Party leaders decided to return Hon. Okey-Joe as the member of the House of Representatives,’ he said, expressing his disappointment and bitterness over the leadership’s decision to deny him his victory. Following consultations with his supporters across every ward in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, he decided that remaining a member of NDC would not serve his political aspirations.

Consequently, accompanied by over 4,000 voter card-carrying supporters and loyalists, he formally resigned from the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) over stolen mandate. Reaffirming his commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable representation.

He emphasized that despite his confidence in the party’s internal democracy and fairness, his political journey continues to evolve. After transitioning from the ADC to the NDC, ‘we have carefully reflected on the next chapter of our movement, and going forward at this time, we are no longer NDC members and are now in the process of joining another political party, which we intend to use as our platform,’ he declared.

On his next political move, Hon. Philip Onwuka stated, “We will share further details at the appropriate time and in accordance with all applicable party and electoral processes. I will definitely be on the ballot paper in the coming 2027 general election, and we will draw larger crowds when I declare my official political party. I will utilize their platform for the 2027 general election.’

Seeking the continued support and vote of his supporters across Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Hon. Philip Onwuka assured that the journey is far from over and that with their support, he remains committed to serving the people.

He promised to lead in the right direction, prioritizing human welfare and community development. ‘Your dedication has inspired me beyond words, and the work continues.

We will keep engaging our communities, empowering our youths, supporting our women, listening to our elders, and presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing our constituency,’ he said. 

The movement drew a large turnout of community leaders, political leaders, religious leaders, market men and women, and residents of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II.

In his contribution, Hon. Mayor Ikechukwu Echefu, Director General of Capital Movement, commended the philanthropic efforts of Hon. Philip Ikechukwu Onwuka, stating, “Unlike many politicians, he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to support Lagosians, transcending tribal, religious, and socio-economic boundaries through his Capital Movement Empowerment Programme. 

This exemplifies the kind of leadership we need – visionary individuals who remain unswayed by personal gain and are committed to positively transforming Nigeria.”

John Chukwudoziem Okere, a coordinator of Capital Movement, further highlighted that since 2019, the organization has been dedicated to supporting the less privileged and advocating for justice on behalf of those who have been wronged, noting that it has grown into a significant political movement with over 11 million members.

Hon. Philip Onwuka has emerged as a prominent philanthropist, particularly within Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II, and has been a source of solutions for many, which has galvanized support for his potential representation in the House of Representatives.

Alhaji Ramoni Adesina, another coordinator of Capital Movement, expressed the group’s support for Hon. Philip Onwuka, lamenting the outcome of the NDC primary election where despite winning with 1,052 votes, Hon. Onwuka was not declared the winner in favour of the current Representative, Hon Okey-Joe Oniakalusi, who garnered only 314 votes.

This decision has prompted the group to consider aligning with another party to ensure Hon. Philip Onwuka’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.

Comrade Kate Chioma echoed the sentiment that Hon. Philip Onwuka is the ideal candidate for Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives. 

Public analyst, Mr. Uche Moya also noted that given his remarkable philanthropic efforts and empowerment programmes that have benefited people across different backgrounds since 2019, Hon. Ikechukwu Onwuka appears to be a formidable candidate. 

The widespread support he enjoys across various divides and the six wards in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II underscores his potential to win the next election.

The controversial declaration of the NDC national executive in Abuja, favouring a candidate who came second in a free and fair primary, has been met with criticism, with many viewing it as an act of corruption.