By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of irregularities and candidate imposition in its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly primaries, insisting that the exercises were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
According to an official signed statement by the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu Esq., the negative narratives surrounding the party’s nationwide primaries were largely the result of ignorance of the party’s procedures and deliberate attempts to undermine its growing popularity.
Enekweizu stated that the NDC should instead be commended for its innovative approach to conducting the primaries, which placed significant emphasis on stakeholder consultations and consensus-building to minimize disputes and strengthen internal cohesion.
He explained that the party’s founding principles are rooted in leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building, adding that these values guided the conduct of the primaries across the country.
The National Secretary cited the South-East geopolitical zone as a key example of the party’s consultative approach, noting that the region’s leadership structure was anchored by respected elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
According to him, the caucus leaders included Chief Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia State, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Egwu in Ebonyi State, former Enugu State Governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu State, former Imo State Governor Chief Achike Udenwa in Imo State, while the team of the party’s presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, coordinated activities in Anambra State.
He said the caucus leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations based on the unique political realities of their states, while grassroots leaders and stakeholders also participated in the decision-making process.
Enekweizu stressed that the arrangement did not deny any aspirant the right to contest, noting that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations from stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
He maintained that the NDC National Secretariat was never involved in selecting or imposing candidates, adding that all aspirants were received and directed to engage with the relevant caucus leaders, stakeholders, and party members in their respective states.
The statement further noted that the party had implemented affirmative action measures aimed at encouraging greater female participation in elective offices and had also sought to support serving members of parliament seeking re-election.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants during the process, Enekweizu said such complaints had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for appropriate resolution.
He disclosed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity and strengthening cohesion among members and aspirants following the primaries.
The NDC National Secretary urged caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party officials to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of party unity and continued growth.
He reiterated that throughout the pre-primary period, the party consistently directed aspirants and stakeholders to their respective state caucus leaders for guidance, consultations, and dispute resolution, describing the approach as evidence of the NDC’s commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures.
Enekweizu further stated that the party’s role during the period was to welcome new members and prospective aspirants, assure them of fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate structures for participation in the electoral process.
The NDC, which formally received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, said it has within a short period established constitutional party structures from the ward to the national level, convened two National Executive Committee meetings, and successfully conducted nationwide primaries for presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Assembly positions.
The party also claimed that it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country based on its representation in the National Assembly.
