The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership and that all aspirants were given equal opportunities to participate in the selection process.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC said its candidate selection process was guided by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established party structures across the country.
The party dismissed allegations that its leadership handpicked candidates, stressing that the National Secretariat played no role in imposing individuals on any constituency or state.
“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 stated.
According to the party, aspirants seeking elective positions were encouraged to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members within their states. These groups were responsible for conducting consultations and making recommendations based on local political realities.
The NDC explained that in the South-East geopolitical zone, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an established network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region. The party identified some of these leaders as former governors Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others.
It noted that these leaders were entrusted with facilitating stakeholder consultations, building consensus among party members, and recommending aspirants based on their understanding of the political environment in their respective states.
The party further stated that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations from stakeholders or caucus leaders were not excluded from the process. Instead, they were allowed to contest through grassroots primaries to determine their level of support among party members.
“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.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints about certain aspects of the process. However, it maintained that such matters had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for appropriate resolution.
The party also highlighted its commitment to promoting greater female participation in politics through affirmative action initiatives. It said efforts were made to encourage more women to seek elective positions while balancing the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to launch a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening unity within the party after the primaries.
Enekweizu said the decision was reached during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, adding that caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders would play key roles in engaging aggrieved aspirants and members.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. 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,” he said.
The NDC reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of the party’s commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
The party maintained that its approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness, consultation, and respect for established leadership structures as it prepares for future elections.
NDC Defends Primary Elections, Denies Imposing Candidates
