By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified its timetable for the 2026 Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly primaries, confirming that actual voting and affirmations will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026, while May 28 has been set aside for arrivals, documentation and preparatory engagements.
In an official signed statement by National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas and National Secretary Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party explained that the adjustment became necessary following the Eid-el-Kabir public holidays, which have reportedly triggered major transportation and logistical challenges across the country, including the non-availability of flights.
According to the statement, many aspirants who participated in the party’s screening exercise in Abuja, alongside members of the screening committees, are currently stranded in the Federal Capital Territory due to the travel disruptions.
The party stated that May 28 would now be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries. It added that party officials would also use the day to engage stakeholders, party elders and aspirants in their respective states.
The NDC, however, stressed that no government agency would be involved in any activity scheduled for May 28.
“No agencies of the state, viz: Police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programmes and meetings of May 28. Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal,” the statement read.
The party further clarified that the actual primaries and affirmations would be conducted on May 29 in the following sequence: Presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries and affirmation, State Assembly primaries and affirmation, and Governorship primaries and affirmation.
It added that results from the exercises would be collated and processed by designated committees before being forwarded to the party’s National Headquarters for official announcement by the National Working Committee.
The statement warned that no state executive or committee had the authority to independently announce results from the primaries.
The NDC also urged all aspirants, delegates and party supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the exercise, reiterating its zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct and hooliganism.
The party maintained that the May 28–29 arrangement remains consistent with its original timetable, noting that the shift in activities was introduced solely to ensure smooth logistics and coordination following the Eid celebrations.
