The opposition party said it was forced by time constraints to drop its planned electronic voting system for the exercise.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that its primary elections will begin on May 28, 2026, as it works to meet the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The opposition party said it was compelled by time constraints to drop its planned electronic voting system for the exercise.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 27, the founder and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, said the decision came after “extensive hours of deliberations” involving the National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee.
The statement said, “After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which continued into this morning, and in the presence of the National Chairman of our party, our presidential aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, as well as other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee headed by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.”
The party commended the screening panel led by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu for managing what it described as a large and overwhelming number of aspirants.
“We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations,” the statement added.
The NDC also expressed appreciation to aspirants and their supporters who contributed to the party and embraced its platform for their political ambitions across the country.
“Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies”, the party stated.
The party said that only successful candidates would subsequently be required to report to the secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees, and completion of other necessary requirements.
The party revealed that teams made up of senior officials had been sent to the states to oversee the primaries, with backing from stakeholders and local leaders.
“Our party is women- and youth-friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections,” the statement declared.
The NDC cautioned against any form of violence during the primaries, stating that it would discipline any aspirant or supporter involved in intimidation or disruptive behavior.
“We call for violence-free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour.
“The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct,” it stated.
The party instructed aspirants to go ahead with the primaries on May 28 and 29 using only their Expression of Interest Forms, citing the “tight timelines” facing the party.
The party also said it would set up an Appeal Panel to handle any complaints that might emerge during the process.
Senator Dickson also clarified that direct primaries for State Assembly seats would be conducted at the constituency level, while primaries and affirmations for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential tickets would be held at designated local government headquarters.
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“Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. We strongly recommend consensus where necessary,” the statement reads.
The NDC acknowledged that it was unable to fully implement its planned electronic voting system for the exercise due to time constraints.
“We call for understanding and support because of the limited time available, which made it impossible for the party to fully implement the electronic system we had designed for all party primaries and congresses,” the statement reads.
The party further stated, “As I mentioned at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last manual primary election conducted by the NDC.”
“We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us.
“Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.”
The party called on all officials involved in the exercise to collaborate with INEC and security agencies to guarantee a transparent and peaceful process.
“Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process,” it stated.
“Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.”
