TDThe Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, stating that the process was guided by consultation, consensus-building, and grassroots participation rather than candidate imposition.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said its internal structure is built on stakeholder leadership and state-based caucuses responsible for managing political affairs and candidate selection processes across the federation.
The party, which described itself as Nigeria’s fastest-growing political platform, emphasized that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an established leadership network in the South-East geopolitical zone comprising respected political leaders and elder statesmen.
According to the statement, the South-East caucus leaders include former Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia State, former Governor Sam Egwu in Ebonyi State, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu State, and former Governor Achike Udenwa in Imo State. The Anambra State structure, the party noted, is coordinated by Peter Obi’s political team.
The NDC explained that these caucus leaders were mandated to conduct consultations, build consensus among stakeholders, and make recommendations based on the unique political realities within their states. It added that recognized grassroots leaders and stakeholders also participated in the consultations and decision-making process.
The party stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by caucus leaders or stakeholders were free to contest their popularity through the party’s democratic processes and grassroots primaries.
“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.
According to the party, all aspirants who expressed interest in contesting under its platform were directed to engage with their respective state caucus leaders, stakeholders, and party members as part of the nomination process.
The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy aimed at encouraging greater participation of women in elective offices, while noting efforts to support serving lawmakers seeking re-election.
The party acknowledged reports of disagreements and complaints arising from the primary election process, including instances where some aspirants allegedly declared themselves candidates before the conclusion of party procedures. However, it said such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
Following resolutions reached at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the NDC announced plans to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at strengthening unity within the party.
The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and other leaders to engage aggrieved aspirants and members to promote cohesion and sustain the party’s growth ahead of future political contests.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness, the NDC said its role throughout the nomination period was primarily to welcome new members, receive prospective aspirants, and direct them to appropriate state leadership structures for participation in the process.
The statement concluded that the party remains committed to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy, and collective progress.
