The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially launched a nationwide reconciliation drive and dismissed allegations of imposing candidates during its recently concluded internal primary elections.
The political intervention followed resolutions adopted at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
It aims to resolve internal divisions and pacify aggrieved aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Recall that some aspirants of the party have flayed the primary polls, claiming that the recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly primaries were laden with irregularities and deliberately manipulated.
They also accused the NDC of compromising the elections, maintaining it has led to an internal crisis within the party.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, the NDC defended its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly primaries that were conducted, saying that it is not true that they were fraught with irregularities and alleged imposition of candidates.
The statement titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.
The NDC said that the wrong narrative about its otherwise overwhelmingly successful primary elections nationwide was largely informed by both ignorance of the new party’s constitution and established guidelines and outright mischief by those who are intimidated by the NDC’s fast-rising profile.
According to the party, it adopted an innovative approach that prioritized consensus-building and stakeholder consultations to minimize disputes and strengthen internal cohesion.
It added that the process was particularly effective in the South-East, where caucus leaders and political stakeholders were tasked with coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on the political realities of their respective states.
The party identified the South-East caucus leaders as Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia), former Governor Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo (Enugu), and former Governor Achike Udenwa (Imo), while the structure of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, coordinated activities in Anambra State.
Enekweizu explained that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by caucus leaders or stakeholders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
He said, “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 added that all aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their states, stressing that the process was conducted without prejudice to any aspirant…
The statement read, “The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has put a lie to insinuations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly primaries were fraught with irregularities and alleged imposition of candidates.”
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building.
“In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, came into the party with an established leadership structure comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.
The caucus leaders are:
• Abia State—Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, respected veteran journalist and former chairman of the NDDC Board.
• Ebonyi State—His Excellency Dr. Sam Egwu, former Ebonyi State Governor, former Minister, and former Senator.
• Enugu State—His Excellency Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Enugu Governor, former National Secretary, and former National Chairman of the PDP.
• Imo State—His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa, former governor and former federal minister.
• Anambra State—Since His Excellency Peter Obi is our presidential candidate, his team coordinates the process in his home state, Anambra.
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
More details here...
