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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the modalities and operational guidelines for its forthcoming party primaries, declaring that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the exercise.

The party said the decision followed extensive deliberations involving its National Working Committee (NWC), Selection Committee, and other key stakeholders after the adoption of the report of the Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Sam Egwu.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barr. Osa Director, the NDC disclosed that the meeting was attended by the party’s National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and other senior officials.

The party commended the screening committee for what it described as diligence and professionalism during the week-long screening exercise involving a large number of aspirants nationwide.

According to the statement, successful aspirants from the primaries would proceed to the party’s National Secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees, and completion of nomination formalities.

The NDC also announced the deployment of primary election teams comprising senior officials and experienced administrators to states across the federation to supervise the process alongside local party leaders and stakeholders.

It explained that State Assembly primaries would be conducted through direct primaries at constituency level, while primaries and affirmations for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions would hold at various local government headquarters.

The party said final results of the exercises would be announced at the National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

While encouraging consensus arrangements to promote party unity and stability, the NDC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusiveness, urging greater participation of women and youths in the electoral process.

The party also directed delegates and officials to pay attention to aspirants with “proven electoral value and grassroots acceptance.”

The statement stressed that the NDC maintained zero tolerance for violence, intimidation, threats, and disorderly conduct during the primaries, warning that strict disciplinary action would be taken against anyone found undermining the credibility of the process.

It further disclosed that an Appeal Panel would be inaugurated to address complaints and grievances arising from the primaries.

The party acknowledged that time constraints made it impossible to fully deploy its planned electronic voting and collation system for the exercise, but assured members that future primaries would be fully digitised.

“The leadership assures members that this shall be the last manual primary election conducted by the NDC,” the statement said.

The NDC called on aspirants, stakeholders, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to support efforts toward peaceful, transparent, and credible primaries nationwide.

The party added that it remained committed to building “an enduring modern political institution” capable of advancing democratic values and serving the long-term interests of Nigerians.

Full text of NDC statement

NDC Announces Guidelines and Modalities for Party Primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, wishes to inform party members, aspirants, stakeholders, and the general public that, following extensive deliberations involving the leadership of the party, the National Working Committee, NWC, the Selection Committee, and other critical stakeholders, the report of the Screening Committee chaired by His Excellency Dr. Sam Egwu, has been formally received and adopted.

The meeting, which was attended by the National Chairman of the party, the presidential aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and senior party officials, reviewed the outcome of the screening exercise and the modalities for the forthcoming party primaries.

The NDC commends the Screening Committee for its diligence, professionalism, and sacrifice throughout the rigorous screening process, which lasted nearly one week and involved an overwhelming number of aspirants across the country. The party also appreciates all aspirants and supporters who have demonstrated confidence in the NDC by identifying with our platform and contributing to the growth of the party nationwide.

Following consultations and in consideration of the limited time available, the party resolved that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest Forms will be permitted to participate in the primaries within their respective constituencies.

Successful aspirants emerging from the primaries will thereafter proceed to the party’s National Secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees, and completion of all necessary nomination formalities.

The party has also constituted and deployed primary election teams made up of senior officials and experienced party administrators to all states of the federation to oversee and conduct the exercise in collaboration with local stakeholders and party leaders.

In line with party guidelines, primaries for State Assembly positions shall be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level, while affirmations and primaries for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions shall take place at the various Local Government Headquarters.

Final results from the exercises will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee, NEC.

The NDC strongly encourages consensus arrangements wherever possible in the overall interest of party unity, stability, and democratic consolidation.

The party reiterates its commitment to inclusiveness and encourages women and youth participation at all levels of the electoral process. Delegates and party officials have also been advised to pay close attention to aspirants with proven electoral value and grassroots acceptance.

Furthermore, the NDC maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence, intimidation, threats, and disorderly conduct. The party warns that strict disciplinary measures will be taken against any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of the primaries.

An Appeal Panel will also be inaugurated to address complaints and grievances that may arise during the exercise.

The party acknowledges that the current primaries are being conducted under significant time constraints, which made it impossible to fully deploy the electronic voting and collation system originally designed for party primaries and congresses. However, the leadership assures members that this shall be the last manual primary election conducted by the NDC.

Future party primaries will be fully digitised in line with the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency, and modern democratic practices.

The NDC therefore calls on all aspirants, stakeholders, supporters, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cooperate fully in ensuring peaceful, credible, transparent, and successful primaries across the federation.

As a party committed to nation-building and institutional democracy, the NDC remains determined to build an enduring modern political institution that will outlive individual ambitions and serve the long-term interests of the Nigerian people.

Signed,
Osa Director
National Publicity Secretary
Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC