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…Says Party’s Primaries Were Transparent, Inclusive and Constitutionally Guided
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly primaries were marred by irregularities or the imposition of candidates.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party described such claims as misleading, attributing them largely to a lack of understanding of the NDC’s constitution and electoral guidelines, as well as deliberate attempts by detractors unsettled by the party’s rapid growth and rising national profile.
The statement, signed by the National Secretary of the party, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, Esq., maintained that the NDC should instead be commended for its innovative and consultative approach to conducting nationwide primaries. According to him, the party placed significant emphasis on consensus-building and stakeholder engagement to minimise rancour and foster unity among members.
Titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” the statement noted that the NDC, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing political parties, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building.
Enekweizu cited the South-East geopolitical zone as a notable example of the party’s approach, particularly in response to what he described as widespread misrepresentations regarding the conduct of the primaries in the region.
According to him, the party’s presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an established network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads in their respective states.
The caucus leaders include:
- Abia State: Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
- Ebonyi State: Dr. Sam Egwu, former Governor of Ebonyi State, former Minister and former Senator.
- Enugu State: Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, former National Secretary and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
- Imo State: Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State and former Federal Minister.
- Anambra State: The presidential candidate’s political structure coordinates party affairs in the state.
The National Secretary explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting consultations among stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on the unique political realities of their respective states.
“In addition, each state has recognised stakeholders and grassroots leaders who participate in consultations and make recommendations concerning party affairs,” he stated.
Enekweizu stressed that the process did not infringe upon the rights of any aspirant.
“Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” he said.
He further emphasised that the NDC National Secretariat was never involved in selecting or imposing candidates in any constituency or state.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing or imposing candidates on any constituency or state. Every aspirant who approached the party was received, attended to and directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their respective states,” the statement said.
The party also highlighted its commitment to affirmative action and inclusive representation, particularly in encouraging greater participation of women in elective offices.
According to the statement, the NDC has equally demonstrated interest in supporting serving legislators while ensuring that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest Forms were given the opportunity to participate in the primaries.
The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as complaints raised regarding aspects of the primary election process. However, it noted that such issues had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for appropriate review and resolution.
The statement added that the National Executive Committee (NEC), at its most recent meeting, resolved to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at strengthening party unity after the primaries.
The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and other party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the spirit of reconciliation, cohesion and collective progress.
“For this reason, throughout the past several months, whenever aspirants or stakeholders approached the party regarding elective positions, we consistently referred them to their respective state caucus leaders. Likewise, those with concerns or grievances were advised to channel such matters through their caucuses for resolution,” the statement noted.
Enekweizu said the party’s primary responsibility during the period was to welcome new members and prospective aspirants into the NDC, reassure them of the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and direct them to the appropriate leadership structures for guidance and participation.
“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 added.
The NDC, which formally received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, has within a relatively short period established constitutional party structures from ward to national levels, convened two National Executive Committee meetings and successfully conducted nationwide presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly primaries.
The party is also widely regarded as one of the country’s leading opposition platforms and is said to rank among the largest political parties in Nigeria in terms of legislative representation at the National Assembly.
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