UDC debt ghosts haunt 2019 petitions

Back in 2019, the UDC stormed the courts with fire and fury, contesting the outcome of the General Election. Twenty-three UDC candidates took both the BDP and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to court, arguing that democracy had been compromised. The then opposition coalition had alleged that the BDP had manipulated the polls and stolen victory through rigging. Twenty-three UDC candidates took both the BDP and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to court, arguing that democracy had been compromised. However, the high-stakes petition quickly crumbled. The courts dismissed the case, leaving the UDC not only politically bruised but also financially battered. Instead of toppling the BDP, the opposition was slapped with a hefty bill that had lingered like a dark cloud ever since. According to records, the UDC owes the BDP over P10 million in legal costs. On top of that, the party must also pay the IEC over P573,000. For years, the debts have been pushed aside, but now, the opposition party is turning up the heat, demanding clarity and payment.

Speaking this week, BDP secretary-general Kentse Rammidi confirmed that the matter is very much alive within the party’s corridors.