NDC Sets Up 20-Member Screening Committee for Governorship, NASS Primaries

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and selection process for aspirants seeking the party’s governorship and National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2026 elections.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Hon. (Barr.) Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.

According to the statement, the committee was approved by the National Leader of the party following recommendations by the National Working Committee (NWC) as part of preparations for the forthcoming primaries.

The party explained that the committee would review and scrutinise reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and make final decisions on the eligibility of aspirants contesting for various positions.

Former senator, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, was named chairman of the committee, while Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

Other members include Comrade Babatunde Ali, Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi, Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, Dr. Danlami Arabs, Barr. Fredrick E. Owotorufa, Chief Teddy Obey, Chief Barnabas J. Ejisi, Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Ekong, Yenusa Tanko, Dr. Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, H.E. Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Barr. Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Dr. Grace N. Onyekusiobi and Alhaji Shittu Mohammed.

The party said the committee’s mandate was aimed at ensuring transparency, internal democracy and credibility in the emergence of candidates for the governorship and National Assembly elections.

NDC stated that only aspirants who successfully pass through the screening process and secure clearance from the National Selection Committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.

The statement noted that the process was designed to encourage consensus-building among aspirants while promoting unity within the party.

According to the party, where consensus arrangements fail, direct primaries will be conducted between May 28 and May 30, 2026, in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.

The statement read, “This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.”

The party also appealed to aspirants, stakeholders and members to exercise patience and cooperate with the committee due to the limited timeframe available to complete the exercise.

It further disclosed that the National Selection Committee would be formally inaugurated on Monday, May 25, 2026, after which members are expected to commence deliberations immediately.

The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as a transparent, inclusive and reform-driven internal democratic process capable of strengthening party cohesion and positioning it for electoral success.