Jane Salihu
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of irregularities and candidate imposition in its recently concluded presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly primaries, insisting that the process was transparent, inclusive and in line with the party’s constitution.
In a statement issued late Thursday and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, Esq., the NDC described reports questioning the credibility of the primaries as a product of misunderstanding of the party’s guidelines and deliberate attempts by detractors to undermine its growing popularity.
According to the party, its primary election process placed significant emphasis on consultation and consensus-building to minimize conflicts and ensure broad participation among members and stakeholders.
The statement, titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” noted that the party was founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building.
Enekweizu cited the South-East geopolitical zone as an example of the party’s consultative approach, explaining that the region’s political process was coordinated through an established leadership structure comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
He listed the caucus leaders as Chief Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia State, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, former Enugu State Governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu, former Imo State Governor Chief Achike Udenwa in Imo, while the team of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, oversees coordination in Anambra State.
According to him, the caucus leaders were tasked with engaging stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on the political realities of their states. He added that recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders were also involved in consultations concerning party affairs.
The NDC Secretary stressed that the process did not infringe on the rights of aspirants, noting that those dissatisfied with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to test their popularity through the party’s grassroots democratic process.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu said, adding that all aspirants were directed to engage with relevant caucus leaders, stakeholders and party members in their respective states.
The party further stated that, in line with its affirmative action policy, efforts were made to encourage female participation in elective offices while also supporting serving legislators seeking re-election. Beyond these considerations, all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest forms were expected to participate fully in the primary process.
The statement acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates and complaints raised over aspects of the process, but noted that such issues had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for appropriate resolution.
The NDC also announced plans to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process following resolutions reached at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. It called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party leaders to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of unity and cohesion.
Enekweizu explained that throughout the primary election period, aspirants and stakeholders seeking elective positions were consistently referred to their respective state caucus leaders, while grievances were channelled through the same structures for resolution.
He said the role of the National Secretariat had been limited to receiving new members and aspirants, assuring them of fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and directing them to the appropriate party structures for participation in the process.
“This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress within the party,” he stated.
The NDC, which received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, said it has within a short period established party structures from the ward to national levels, held two National Executive Committee meetings and successfully conducted nationwide primaries for various elective offices.
The party also claimed it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country based on its representation in the National Assembly.
