NDC Defends Primaries, Denies Imposition of Candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state Houses of Assembly primaries were characterised by irregularities and the imposition of candidates.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Morgan Enekweizu, said criticisms of the primaries were based on a misunderstanding of the party’s constitution and guidelines, as well as attempts to undermine the party’s growing influence.

NDC Says Consensus Process Strengthened Party Unity

Enekweizu said the party adopted a consensus-driven approach during the primaries to reduce disputes and promote unity among members.

According to him, the NDC’s internal processes are built on consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building rather than arbitrary decision-making.

“The NDC, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building,” he said.

The party secretary cited the South-East as an example of where the process was successfully implemented, noting that the region’s political structure involved consultations among respected political leaders and caucus heads.

He said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an established leadership structure comprising prominent political figures across the region.

According to Enekweizu, these leaders were tasked with conducting consultations, building consensus and making recommendations based on political realities within their states.

Aspirants Were Free to Contest, Party Says

The NDC secretary maintained that no aspirant was denied the opportunity to contest for elective positions.

He explained that where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were allowed to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.

“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.”

He added that all aspirants who purchased expression of interest forms were directed to participate in the primaries through recognised party structures in their states.

Party Begins Reconciliation After Primaries

Enekweizu acknowledged that some aspirants had raised concerns about aspects of the primaries, while others prematurely declared themselves candidates before the process was concluded.

He said such complaints had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for review.

According to him, the party’s National Executive Committee resolved at its meeting on Wednesday to commence a reconciliation process aimed at strengthening unity and cohesion within the NDC.

The party secretary called on caucus leaders, state chairmen and stakeholders to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of party growth.

He said the NDC’s role throughout the exercise was to ensure fairness, transparency and adherence to established structures while welcoming new members and aspirants.

The NDC, which received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, said it has since established structures from the ward to national levels, conducted two National Executive Committee meetings and organised nationwide primaries for elective offices.

The party also claimed it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country based on its representation in the National Assembly.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.