The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of candidate imposition and irregularities in its recently concluded presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly primaries, insisting that the exercises were conducted in strict compliance with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
Key Highlights:
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) denied allegations of candidate imposition in its recent primaries.
- Party leadership said the primaries followed a consensus-driven, constitution-based process.
- National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu defended the transparency of the exercise.
- State-level caucus leaders, including figures like Peter Obi allies, were involved in consultations.
- The party says complaints are being handled through its appeal and reconciliation committees.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, described the allegations as misleading and driven largely by a lack of understanding of the NDC’s internal processes, as well as deliberate attempts to discredit the party’s growing influence.
According to Enekweizu, the NDC adopted a consultative and consensus-driven approach to candidate selection aimed at reducing conflicts, strengthening internal cohesion, and promoting inclusiveness across its structures.
He explained that the party’s founding principles are anchored on leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building, values that guided the conduct of the primaries nationwide.
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Highlighting the South-East as a model of the process, Enekweizu said respected political leaders and elder statesmen served as state caucus heads responsible for stakeholder engagement and consensus-building. These included Chief Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia, Dr. Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu, and Chief Achike Udenwa in Imo, while activities in Anambra were coordinated by the team of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He noted that caucus leaders consulted extensively with stakeholders and grassroots members before making recommendations based on the political realities of their respective states.
The NDC secretary emphasized that the process did not prevent any aspirant from contesting. According to him, individuals who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
Enekweizu further clarified that the party’s National Secretariat neither selected nor imposed candidates, but rather directed aspirants to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and party members within their states.
The party also highlighted measures introduced to encourage greater participation of women in elective politics, as well as efforts to support serving lawmakers seeking re-election.
Addressing complaints raised by some aspirants, Enekweizu disclosed that such grievances had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for review and resolution.
He revealed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved a comprehensive reconciliation programme aimed at promoting unity and strengthening relationships among members and aspirants after the primaries.
The NDC called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party officials to intensify engagement with party members in order to consolidate unity and sustain the party’s growth.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy, Enekweizu said aspirants and stakeholders were consistently directed to their respective state caucus leaders for consultations, guidance, and dispute resolution throughout the pre-primary period.
He added that the party’s primary role during the exercise was to welcome new members, assure aspirants of a fair and transparent process, and connect them with the appropriate structures for participation.
The NDC, which received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, stated that it has rapidly established structures from ward to national levels, held two NEC meetings, and successfully conducted nationwide primaries for all major elective positions.
