Aggrieved members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress in Edo South Senatorial District have rejected the party's National Reconciliation Committee, describing it as a charade that cannot resolve the grievances arising from its controversial primary elections.

The members, represented by Agbonaye Osazee Ofo, argued that reconciliation could not substitute for justice, insisting that disputed mandates must first be investigated before any attempt is made to restore unity within the party.

They alleged that the committee was established to persuade aggrieved members to accept outcomes they considered unfair, rather than address the circumstances surrounding the disputed primaries.

The group questioned the party's commitment to internal democracy, fairness and inclusiveness, asking why those principles were not upheld during the conduct of the primaries.

The members acknowledged the experience of committee members, including Professor Pat Utomi and Engineer Buba Galadima, but maintained that their involvement could not by itself legitimise what they described as a flawed process.

They called for the disputed primary results to be reviewed, evidence from all sides examined and the party's rules applied equally. They also urged the committee to have sufficient independence to recommend the restoration of mandates where wrongdoing is established.

The group warned that the NDC could undermine its credibility as a democratic alternative ahead of the 2027 elections if it failed to resolve allegations of internal democratic violations.

They maintained that genuine reconciliation must begin with truth and justice, rather than forcing aggrieved members to accept disputed outcomes in the name of party unity.