The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its primary elections will commence on May 28, 2026, as the party races against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable.
The opposition party admitted that time constraints forced it to abandon its planned electronic voting system for the exercise. In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, by the founder and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the party said the decision followed “extensive hours of deliberations” involving the National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee.
The statement read, “After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which lasted till this morning, and in the company of the National Chairman of our party, our presidential aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee led by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.”
The party praised the screening panel chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu for handling what it described as an overwhelming number of aspirants. “We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations,” the statement added.
The NDC also commended aspirants and supporters who donated to the party and adopted its platform for their political ambitions nationwide.
According to the party, “Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies.”
The party explained that only successful candidates would later report to the secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination forms, and completion of other requirements.
The party disclosed that teams comprising senior officials had already been deployed to states to supervise the primaries with support from stakeholders and local leaders.
“Our party is women- and youth-friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections,” the statement said.
The NDC warned against violence during the primaries, insisting it would sanction any aspirant or supporter found engaging in intimidation or disorderly conduct.
“We call for violence-free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour.
“The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct,” it stated.
The party directed aspirants to proceed with the primaries on May 28 and 29 using only their Expression of Interest Forms because of the “tight timelines” confronting the party.
The party also announced plans to inaugurate an Appeal Panel to address complaints that may arise during the exercise.
Dickson further clarified that direct primaries would be used for State Assembly contests at constituency level, while primaries and affirmations for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions would take place at various local government headquarters.
“Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. We strongly recommend consensus where necessary,” the statement added.
The NDC admitted that it was unable to fully deploy its planned electronic voting system for the exercise due to limited time.
“We call for understanding and support because of the limited time available, which made it impossible for the party to fully implement the electronic system we had designed for all party primaries and congresses,” the statement said.
The party further noted, “As I said at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually.
“We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us.
“Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.”
The party urged all officials involved in the exercise to work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a transparent and peaceful process.
“Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process,” it said.
“Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.”
