By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled plans to introduce electronic voting for its congresses, conventions and primaries, in what party leaders describe as a bold step toward strengthening internal democracy, enhancing transparency and modernising political participation in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where he also highlighted the party’s rapid growth, expanding national presence and preparations for future electoral contests.
Dickson said the proposed electronic voting platform would enable party members to participate in internal elections digitally, with results transmitted and displayed in real time at local government, state and national levels. According to him, the initiative is part of the party’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve credibility, inclusiveness and accountability in its electoral processes.
The former governor noted that the NDC had recorded remarkable progress since its registration, successfully conducting membership registration exercises, congresses, conventions and direct primaries across the federation despite doubts from critics who questioned the party’s capacity to meet statutory requirements and timelines.
He said the successful conduct of those exercises had demonstrated the party’s organisational strength and growing acceptance among Nigerians seeking an alternative political platform.
Dickson also hailed the emergence of Mr. Peter Gregory Obi as the party’s presidential candidate at the Special Presidential National Convention, describing him as a credible leader with the capacity to provide the leadership Nigerians desire.
He observed that the level of participation witnessed during the party’s internal electoral processes reflected a growing appetite among citizens for political renewal and a departure from traditional approaches to governance.
The NDC leader commended party members, officials and supporters across the country for their dedication and sacrifices, attributing the party’s rapid expansion and consolidation to their collective efforts. He added that the influx of prominent political figures from other parties had further strengthened the NDC’s structures and broadened its national appeal.
According to Dickson, the party has successfully produced candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections across the federation, underscoring its growing influence and readiness for future political contests.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, he assured members that the party had established mechanisms for resolving disputes in line with its constitution, guidelines and applicable electoral laws.
He stressed the importance of reconciliation and unity after every political contest, urging party members to place the collective interest of the NDC above personal ambitions.
Dickson maintained that the party was determined to position itself as a reform-oriented political movement capable of driving democratic innovation in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that despite its relatively recent emergence, the NDC had already demonstrated its ability to compete effectively on the national stage and would continue to evolve into a formidable political force.
He urged members to remain committed to the party’s vision of national transformation, expressing optimism that the NDC would continue to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative platform for leadership and development.
