NDC Defends Primary Elections, Rejects Allegations of Candidate Imposition, Announces Nationwide Reconciliation Drive

NDC Defends Primary Elections, Rejects Allegations of Candidate Imposition, Announces Nationwide Reconciliation Drive

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections across the country, insisting that the process was guided by consultation, internal democracy, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots participation rather than the imposition of candidates by the national leadership.

In a detailed statement issued by the party's National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC sought to clarify concerns raised by some aspirants and party members following the primaries, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic principles.

The statement comes amid growing public interest in the party's internal processes as it continues to expand its national footprint ahead of future electoral contests.

According to the party, the NDC operates through an established stakeholder leadership framework that empowers caucus leaders in every state of the federation to coordinate consultations, build consensus, and make recommendations regarding political offices and party affairs.

The party explained that in the South-East geopolitical zone, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with a respected leadership structure made up of elder statesmen and experienced political leaders who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.

The party listed the South-East caucus leaders as:

Onyema Ugochukwu – Abia State

Sam Egwu – Ebonyi State

Okwesilieze Nwodo – Enugu State

Achike Udenwa – Imo State

Anambra State affairs are coordinated by the political structure associated with Peter Obi.

The NDC stated that these leaders were specifically entrusted with managing stakeholder consultations and identifying candidates capable of advancing the party's objectives within the unique political realities of their states.

Responding to allegations that some candidates may have been handpicked by the leadership, the party categorically denied any involvement by the National Secretariat in selecting or imposing candidates.

"The National Secretariat has never been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state," the statement emphasized.

According to the party, every aspirant who approached the NDC was received and directed to engage with recognized caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states.

The party further noted that aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not prevented from pursuing their ambitions. Instead, they were given the opportunity to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level during the primaries.

"This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant," the statement said.

The NDC also highlighted its commitment to expanding political participation among women through its affirmative action policy.

Party leaders said deliberate efforts were made to encourage and support female aspirants seeking elective offices while also considering mechanisms aimed at protecting and supporting serving lawmakers within the party.

However, beyond these broad policy considerations, the party maintained that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest Forms were required to participate in consultations and grassroots mobilization ahead of the primaries.

The party acknowledged reports of disputes arising from the primary election process, including claims by some aspirants who allegedly declared themselves candidates before the conclusion of official procedures.

According to the NDC, complaints and grievances submitted by affected aspirants were reviewed by the party's appeal mechanisms and leadership structures.

"The issues raised have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly," the statement noted.

In what appears to be a move aimed at strengthening party unity after a competitive primary season, the NDC disclosed that its National Executive Committee (NEC) has approved a comprehensive reconciliation exercise across the country.

The reconciliation process will involve caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party officials engaging aspirants and members to foster unity and cohesion.

Party leaders expressed confidence that the initiative would help consolidate internal harmony while sustaining the party's rapid growth across Nigeria.

Reiterating its political philosophy, the NDC stated that its primary objective throughout the nomination process was to welcome new members, provide equal opportunities to aspirants, and ensure decisions emerged through consultation and stakeholder engagement rather than centralized control.

The party described its approach as a reflection of its commitment to internal democracy, respect for established leadership structures, consensus-building, and inclusive participation.

As the party moves into the next phase of political organization, NDC leaders say maintaining unity and strengthening grassroots structures remain central to their strategy for national expansion.