NDC Denies Candidate Imposition, Defends Conduct of Nationwide Primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of irregularities and candidate imposition in its recently concluded presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly primaries.

It insisted that the exercises were conducted strictly in line with the party’s constitution and internal democratic principles.

The party said criticisms trailing the primaries stemmed largely from misunderstandings of its internal processes. It also alleged that some of the claims were driven by deliberate attempts to discredit what it described as a largely successful nationwide exercise.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party maintained that consensus-building and stakeholder consultations formed a central part of its nomination structure and should not be interpreted as imposition.

According to the NDC, the primaries were deliberately designed to reduce internal conflict while ensuring broad participation of members across the country.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building,” Enekweizu said.

He explained that the party’s approach, particularly in the South-East, reflected respect for established leadership structures and the political realities of the region.

The NDC said in the zone, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, worked with a network of caucus leaders and senior political figures tasked with engaging stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations on party affairs in their respective states.

The party listed former governors and senior political leaders, including Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo and Achike Udenwa, among those playing key roles in the zone.

Enekweizu stressed that no aspirant was shut out of the process, adding that disagreements with stakeholder recommendations were expected and accommodated.

“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,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the national leadership imposed candidates 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,” the statement said.

The party said every aspirant was encouraged to engage directly with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their respective states, and to fully participate in the primaries.

It further noted that affirmative action measures and support for women aspirants formed part of its inclusion framework, while some serving lawmakers also benefited from institutional backing.

The NDC acknowledged reports of disagreements and complaints from some aspirants, saying such issues had been referred to its appeal panel for resolution.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.

He urged caucus leaders, state chairmen and stakeholders to intensify reconciliation efforts aimed at strengthening unity ahead of future elections.

The party said it remained focused on expanding its structures and consolidating internal democracy, noting that since receiving its certificate of registration in February 2026, it had built party structures nationwide, held two NEC meetings and conducted its first set of nationwide primaries within a short period.

It described the exercise as evidence of its commitment to consultation, inclusiveness and internal democracy as it seeks to deepen its presence in Nigeria’s political space.