NDC insists primaries will hold 29 May, despite Eid-el-kabir holidays

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has clarified that its Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly primaries will proceed nationwide on 29 May, despite disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir public holidays.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, explained that 28 May would now be used for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries.

The party said the adjustment became necessary following transportation and logistical challenges linked to the festive period, including flight shortages that reportedly left many aspirants and screening committee members stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.

According to Mr Cleopas, party teams already deployed across the states are expected to use the day for consultations with stakeholders, elders and aspirants.

NDC warns against unauthorized activities

The party chairman warned that no state institution or security agency, including the Police, DSS and INEC, should participate in any activities outside the approved schedule for 28 May.

He stressed that any action taken outside the party’s official guidelines would be regarded as illegal and unauthorized.

“The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on 29 May 2026, in keeping with the original 28 and 29 May timetable.

“However, in view of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the resulting public holidays, major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights.

“Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja,” Mr Cleopas stated.

Sequence of primaries outlined

Mr Cleopas also outlined the order of activities for the 29 May primaries.

According to the party, the exercises will include presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries or affirmations, State Assembly primaries or affirmations, and governorship primaries or affirmations.

The NDC further directed that all state results must be transmitted to the party’s national headquarters for official announcement by the National Working Committee.

“The respective teams will collate and process all results and forward them to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results.

“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement added.

Call for peaceful conduct

The party leadership appealed to members and aspirants to maintain peace and order throughout the exercise.

Mr Cleopas warned that the NDC would not tolerate violence, hooliganism, or disorderly conduct during the primaries.

The clarification comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections amid tight electoral timelines and increased political activity nationwide.