The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state Houses of Assembly primaries were characterised by irregularities and the imposition of candidates.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Morgan Enekweizu, said criticisms surrounding the primaries were largely based on ignorance of the party’s constitution and internal guidelines, as well as deliberate attempts to weaken the party’s growing political influence.
According to Mr Enekweizu, the party adopted a consensus-driven process designed to reduce internal disputes and strengthen unity among members.
“The NDC, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building,” he stated.
Peter Obi, South-East leaders referenced
Mr Enekweizu cited the South-East geopolitical zone as an example of the party’s consultation-based structure, noting that the process involved caucus leaders and respected political stakeholders across the region.
He said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an established leadership network made up of elder statesmen and political figures serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
According to him, those involved include Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia, Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu, and Achike Udenwa in Imo State.
Mr Enekweizu explained that the caucus leaders were tasked with conducting consultations, building consensus and making recommendations based on local political realities.
Aspirants were allowed to contest — NDC
The party secretary stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders were still allowed to contest through the democratic process.
“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, and this was duly accommodated,” he said.
He maintained that the national secretariat was never involved in imposing candidates.
“At no time has the NDC national secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Mr Enekweizu added.
According to him, aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members within their respective states.
Reconciliation process underway
Mr Enekweizu acknowledged that some aspirants had expressed concerns about aspects of the primaries and noted that complaints were reviewed by the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership.
He disclosed that the party had resolved to commence a broad reconciliation process aimed at uniting aggrieved members and strengthening cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC also said its affirmative action policy had encouraged greater participation of women in elective positions while protecting the interests of serving lawmakers.
Party growth and structure
The NDC received its certificate of registration on 5 February 2026, and has since established structures from ward to national levels.
The party said it has already held two National Executive Committee meetings and conducted nationwide primaries for various elective positions.
It further claimed to have emerged as the second-largest political party in Nigeria based on its representation in the National Assembly.
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