NO CANDIDATES WERE IMPOSED: NDC clarifies nationwide primaries, flags off reconciliation
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has debunked claims that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state Houses of Assembly primaries were marred by irregularities and the imposition of candidates.
In a statement released late Thursday titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” the party described reports of internal rancour as a narrative driven by a lack of familiarity with the party’s new constitution, as well as “outright mischief” by detractors intimidated by the NDC’s rapid political growth.
The statement, signed by the party’s national secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu Esq, maintained that the NDC should instead be praised for its innovative approach, which heavily prioritized pre-election consensus building to minimize conflict.
South-East structure and consensus strategy
Addressing specific grievances and misrepresentations emerging from the South-East geopolitical zone, Enekweizu explained that the party leveraged the established leadership structures brought in by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to the NDC scribe, respected elder statesmen and political leaders were appointed as caucus heads across the zone to drive stakeholder consultations, build consensus, and make recommendations based on local political dynamics.
The party listed its South-East caucus leaders as:
Abia State: Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Veteran journalist and former NDDC Board Chairman)
Ebonyi State: H.E. Dr. Sam Egwu (Former Governor, Minister, and Senator)
Enugu State: H.E. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo (Former Governor, PDP National Secretary, and National Chairman)
Imo State: H.E. Chief Achike Udenwa (Former Governor and Federal Minister)
Anambra State: Coordinated by the team of the presidential candidate, H.E. Peter Obi.
“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant,” Enekweizu stated. “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.”
Secretariat denies imposition, addresses grievances
The NDC strongly denied any direct involvement by its national secretariat in handpicking or imposing candidates on any constituency. It stated that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest Forms were consistently directed to engage with their respective state caucuses and grassroots members.
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The party also acknowledged that while some aspirants prematurely declared themselves winners, others filed genuine complaints regarding the conduct of the polls. The NDC noted that these grievances have already been reviewed and addressed by its Appeal Panel.
Furthermore, the party highlighted its commitment to affirmative action, noting that it deliberately encouraged and supported female participation in elective offices and sought to protect serving members of parliament during the process.
Eye on the general elections
Following a decision reached at its latest National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the NDC announced that it is transitioning into a comprehensive internal reconciliation phase.
“We now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party,” the statement read.
Registered just months ago on February 5, 2026, the NDC has achieved an unprecedented feat by establishing constitutional structures from the ward to national levels, holding two NEC meetings, and conducting nationwide primaries within 90 days.
With a massive influx of lawmakers joining its folds, the NDC is currently recognized as the second-largest political party in Nigeria by virtue of its robust representation in the National Assembly.
