A senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo South, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has expressed deep regret over his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “from frying pan to hell fire.”

Agbonayinwa, a former member of the House of Representatives, made the remarks during an appearance on Arise News’ News Day on Friday.

He alleged that although he emerged as the winner of the party’s senatorial primary election, he is now being denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot.

The former governorship aspirant further claimed that Senator Seriake Dickson, identified as the national leader of the NDC, encouraged him to purchase the senatorial nomination form, but later denied ever having such a conversation with him.

According to him, the internal processes that led to the primary were chaotic and unclear, saying he had never experienced such issues while in the APC or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said, “I’ve moved from frying pan to hell fire. We had the direct primary after we couldn’t reach a consensus. They kept us in the room at the time with all other contestants for us to step down for each other, and we couldn’t do that.

“We went through rigorous processes. I understand that they are new, but I have never experienced this being with APC or being with PDP. Never. Where people were asked to go for primary… May 29 was the day the primary was conducted today is June 5 and elections have not been announced.”

Agbonayinwa also recounted his relationship with Senator Seriake Dickson, describing him as a long-time friend and colleague who played a role in his initial decision to join the NDC.

He said he had initially planned to contest for the House of Representatives, but reconsidered after discussions with Dickson, who allegedly encouraged him to aim for the Senate under the NDC platform.

However, he said he was surprised when the same individual later denied advising him to purchase the nomination form.

The aspirant insisted that the situation has left him frustrated and confused, adding that the party’s handling of the process has raised serious concerns about internal coordination and transparency.