THE leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly primaries were marred by irregularities and the imposition of candidates, insisting that the exercises were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
The party said suggestions that the nationwide primaries lacked transparency were false and misleading, arguing that the narrative was largely driven by a poor understanding of the NDC’s internal processes as well as deliberate attempts by political opponents and critics to undermine the growing popularity of the party.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria and signed by Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu Esq., National Secretary of the party, the NDC maintained that its primary elections were overwhelmingly successful and should instead be commended for introducing a consultative and consensus-driven approach aimed at reducing conflict, disagreements and unnecessary rancour during candidate selection.
The statement, titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” was signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu Esq.
According to Enekweizu, the NDC was founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building, values which guided the conduct of its nationwide primaries.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building,” the statement said.
The party specifically addressed concerns arising from the South-East geopolitical zone, where much of the criticism and alleged misrepresentations surrounding the primaries reportedly originated.
According to the NDC, the process adopted in the region demonstrated the party’s commitment to structured leadership and stakeholder engagement.
The statement explained that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an already established leadership framework made up of respected elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads across the five South-East states.
The party identified the caucus leaders as: Chief Onyema Ugochukwu for Abia State, Sam Egwu for Ebonyi State, Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu State.
Achike Udenwa for Imo State.
While the Anambra process was coordinated by the team of Peter Obi, given his status as the party’s presidential flag-bearer and son of the state.
The NDC said these leaders were entrusted with the responsibility of conducting consultations among stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on the political realities and peculiar circumstances within their respective states.
The statement further noted that each state also had recognised stakeholders and grassroots leaders who participated actively in consultations and contributed recommendations concerning party affairs.
Enekweizu stressed that the process was designed to protect the rights of all aspirants and did not in any way prevent anyone from seeking elective office through the party.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states,” he stated.
“In addition, each state has recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders who participate in consultations and make recommendations regarding party affairs.”
He explained that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
According to him, such opportunities were made available and duly accommodated throughout the primaries.
“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the statement said.
The National Secretary strongly rejected claims that the party’s national leadership was involved in selecting candidates for any constituency, state or office.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” he stated.
“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.”
The statement also highlighted the party’s affirmative action policy, which it said was aimed at encouraging greater participation of women in elective politics.
According to the NDC, efforts were also made to support and protect serving members of parliament seeking re-election.
The party noted, however, that beyond these considerations, every aspirant who purchased an Expression of Interest Form was required to return to the field and participate fully in the democratic process.
“In line with its affirmative action policy, the party has demonstrated a commitment to encouraging and supporting female participation in elective office and has done so in some cases,” the statement added.
“The party has also expressed an interest in protecting and supporting serving members of parliament. Beyond these considerations, all aspirants were referred to their state caucus leaders and all those who bought Expression of Interest Forms were asked to go into the field and participate in the primaries.”
The NDC acknowledged reports that some aspirants prematurely declared themselves candidates before the conclusion of internal processes, while others raised concerns regarding certain aspects of the primaries.
However, it said such complaints were referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for consideration and resolution.
“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the Appeal Panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement said.
Looking ahead, the party disclosed that it had already begun preparations for a broad reconciliation exercise aimed at healing divisions and strengthening unity after the primaries.
According to the statement, the decision was reached during the National Executive Committee meeting held on Wednesday.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu stated.
“We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that for several months it consistently directed aspirants and stakeholders seeking elective offices to work through their state caucus leaders and established leadership structures.
Likewise, individuals with complaints or grievances were advised to channel their concerns through their caucuses for resolution.
“For this reason, throughout the past several months, whenever aspirants or stakeholders approached the party regarding elective positions, we consistently referred them to their respective state caucus leaders,” the statement noted.
“Likewise, those with concerns or grievances were advised to channel such matters through their caucuses for resolution.”
The NDC Secretary said the primary responsibility of the national leadership during the period was to welcome new members and aspirants into the party, reassure them of the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and direct them to the appropriate leadership structures for guidance.
“The party’s role during this period has been to receive new members and prospective aspirants into the NDC, welcome them to the party, reassure them of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness, and direct them to engage with their respective caucus leaders for guidance and participation in the process,” he said.
According to Enekweizu, the approach reflected the NDC’s commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy and the pursuit of unity and progress.
“This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress within the party,” he added.
The party also pointed to its rapid growth since receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026.
Within just 90 days of registration, the NDC said it had established constitutional structures from ward to national levels, held two National Executive Committee meetings, and successfully conducted nationwide presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly primaries.
The party further claimed that, based on its current representation in the National Assembly, it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country.