NDC Sets Ground Rules for Primaries, Warns Against Violence

The National Democratic Congress has announced the guidelines and modalities for its forthcoming party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said the decision followed extensive consultations involving the party leadership, the National Working Committee, the Selection Committee and other critical stakeholders. According to the statement, the report of the party’s Screening Committee, chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu, has officially been received and adopted by the leadership of the party.

The meeting where the resolutions were reached was attended by the National Chairman of the party, Presidential Aspirant Peter Obi and other senior officials of the NDC. The party said discussions at the meeting focused on the outcome of the screening exercise and operational plans for the conduct of the primaries nationwide.

The NDC commended the Screening Committee for what it described as diligence, professionalism and sacrifice throughout the screening process, which reportedly lasted nearly one week and involved a large number of aspirants from across the country. The party also expressed appreciation to aspirants and supporters for identifying with its platform and contributing to its growth.

 According to the statement, all aspirants who purchased expression of interest forms will be permitted to participate in the primaries within their respective constituencies. The party explained that successful aspirants emerging from the primaries would subsequently proceed to the NDC National Secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees and completion of other nomination requirements.

 To ensure effective coordination of the exercise, the party said it has constituted and deployed primary election teams made up of senior officials and experienced administrators to all states of the federation. The teams are expected to oversee the conduct of the primaries in collaboration with local stakeholders and party leaders.

Under the approved guidelines, primaries for State House of Assembly positions will be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level. Meanwhile, affirmations and primaries for House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship and Presidential positions will take place at various local government headquarters across the country.

 The party stated that final results from the primaries would be officially announced at the National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee. The NDC also encouraged consensus arrangements among aspirants wherever possible in order to promote party unity, stability and democratic consolidation.

The statement reaffirmed the party’s commitment to inclusiveness, while encouraging greater participation of women and youths in the electoral process. Delegates and party officials were also advised to pay close attention to aspirants with strong grassroots support and proven electoral value.

The party further maintained a zero-tolerance stance on violence, intimidation and disorderly conduct during the primaries. It warned that disciplinary actions would be taken against any individual or group found engaging in activities capable of undermining the credibility or peaceful conduct of the exercise.

The NDC also disclosed plans to inaugurate an Appeal Panel to address grievances and complaints that may arise during the primary elections. While acknowledging the time constraints surrounding the exercise, the party noted that it was unable to fully deploy its proposed electronic voting and collation system for the current primaries.

 However, the leadership assured members that future primary elections would be fully digitised in line with the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability and modern democratic practices.

 The party called on aspirants, stakeholders, supporters, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, transparent and credible primaries across the federation.

According to the statement, the NDC remains committed to building a strong democratic institution capable of serving the long-term interests of Nigerians beyond individual political ambitions.