The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly primaries were marred by irregularities and the imposition of candidates, insisting that the exercises were conducted transparently and in accordance with democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, described the primaries as “overwhelmingly successful” and said criticisms of the process stemmed largely from a misunderstanding of the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
According to him, the claims were also being fuelled by political opponents seeking to diminish the party’s growing influence in Nigeria’s political space.
Enekweizu said the NDC adopted a consultative and consensus-driven approach during the primaries to minimise disputes and strengthen internal cohesion across the country.
“The NDC, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building,” he stated.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants and stakeholders in the South-East, Enekweizu explained that the party relied on respected political leaders and elder statesmen to coordinate consultations and provide recommendations based on prevailing political realities in their states.
The leaders included Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia State, former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo and former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa. In Anambra State, activities were coordinated by the team of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He said the caucus leaders were tasked with engaging stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations without infringing on the rights of aspirants.
Enekweizu stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations from stakeholders or caucus leaders retained the right to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” he said.
“Every aspirant who approached the party was received, attended to and directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members of the party in their respective states.”
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to affirmative action by promoting greater participation of women in elective positions and supporting serving legislators seeking re-election.
Enekweizu disclosed that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest Forms participated in the primaries, while grievances arising from the process were referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for resolution.
In a move aimed at consolidating unity ahead of future elections, he announced that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved a comprehensive reconciliation process to engage aggrieved aspirants and strengthen internal harmony.
He called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party members to work collectively in the interest of party unity and continued growth.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity across the country as parties intensify preparations for future electoral contests.
