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 and the imposition of candidates.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, who said the narratives surrounding the primaries were largely driven by ignorance of the party’s constitution and guidelines, as well as deliberate attempts to undermine the fast-growing political party.
According to the statement, the NDC should be commended for what it described as an innovative approach to conducting primaries nationwide, with emphasis placed on consensus-building to minimize disputes and internal disagreements.
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.
SolaceBase reports that Enekweizu cited the South-East geopolitical zone as an example of where the party’s approach was effectively implemented, despite what he described as widespread misrepresentations from the region.
“In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, came into the party with an established leadership structure comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders who serve as caucus heads in their respective states,” he said.
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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 Peter Obi’s team coordinates party activities in Anambra State.
The NDC secretary explained that the leaders were mandated to conduct stakeholder consultations, build consensus and make recommendations based on the political realities in their respective states. He added that recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders also participated in consultations concerning party affairs.
According to him, aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots democratic processes.
“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.
“Every aspirant who approached the party was received, attended to, and directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members of the party in their respective states.”
The statement further stated that the party’s affirmative action policy encouraged greater participation of women in elective positions and also sought to support serving members of parliament.
It noted that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest forms were required to participate in the primaries and engage with stakeholders at the state level.
The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as complaints about aspects of the process, but said such matters had been referred to and addressed by the Appeal Panel and party leadership.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” the statement said.
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The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and other party officials to engage aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion and the continued growth of the party.
Enekweizu said the party had consistently directed aspirants and stakeholders to their respective state caucus leaders whenever issues relating to elective positions arose, while grievances were also channelled through caucuses for resolution.
“The party’s role during this period has been to receive new members and prospective aspirants into the NDC, welcome them to the party, reassure them of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness, and direct them to engage with their respective caucus leaders,” he said.
“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.”
The NDC, which received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, said it has, within 90 days, established constitutional structures from ward to national levels, held two National Executive Committee meetings and conducted nationwide primaries for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections.
The party also claimed it is now the second-largest political party in the country based on its representation in the National Assembly.
