By Daily Review Online
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of irregularities and candidate imposition in its recently concluded presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly primaries, insisting that the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the party described reports suggesting that candidates were imposed as false and misleading, attributing such claims to ignorance of its internal processes and deliberate attempts to undermine the party’s growing influence.
The statement, signed by the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the party should instead be commended for adopting a consultative and consensus-driven approach aimed at reducing disputes and fostering unity among members.
According to Enekweizu, the NDC was founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building, which guided the conduct of its primaries across the country.
He cited the South-East as an example, noting that the region’s process was coordinated through an established leadership structure comprising prominent political figures and elder statesmen who serve as caucus leaders in their respective states.
The party explained that these leaders were tasked with consulting stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on the political realities in their states, while grassroots leaders and party stakeholders also participated in the process.
Enekweizu stressed that the arrangement did not infringe on the rights of aspirants, adding that those who disagreed with recommendations from stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to test their popularity through the party’s democratic processes at the grassroots level.
“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 said.
He added that every aspirant who approached the party was directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their states.
The NDC further stated that its affirmative action policy encouraged female participation in elective offices and that the party had also shown support for serving lawmakers seeking re-election.
The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates and complaints raised by others over aspects of the process, but said such issues had been referred to and addressed by the Appeal Panel and party leadership.
Following resolutions reached at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party announced plans to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at strengthening unity and cohesion among members.
Enekweizu called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party officials to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of the party’s continued growth.
He maintained that the role of the National Secretariat throughout the process was to welcome new members, reassure aspirants of fairness and transparency, and direct them to their respective caucus leaders for participation in the primaries.
The NDC, which received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, said it has, within a short period, established party structures from ward to national levels, held two National Executive Committee meetings and conducted nationwide primaries for various elective positions.
The party also claimed that it has become the second-largest political party in the country based on its representation in the National Assembly.