NDC Begins Reconciliation Efforts and Defends Its Primaries

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched a reconciliation effort to address complaints that surfaced after its nationwide primary elections held last weekend.

The move was decided during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which aimed to bring together members who felt aggrieved and to tackle concerns about how the primaries were conducted.

Several aspirants criticized the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly primaries, alleging irregularities, manipulation and the forced nomination of candidates. They also claimed that the process had caused internal rifts within the party.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC denied these allegations and defended the integrity of the primaries.

The party said that accusations of irregularities and candidate imposition were unfounded, stemming from misunderstandings of its constitution and guidelines, and from deliberate attempts to undermine its growing influence.

It explained that a consensus‑building approach was used, emphasizing stakeholder consultations and internal dialogue to reduce disputes and strengthen party cohesion.

In the South‑East, caucus leaders and political stakeholders were tasked with coordinating consultations and making recommendations that reflected the political realities of their states.

Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia State), former Governor Sam Egwu (Ebonyi State), former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo (Enugu State) and former Governor Achike Udenwa (Imo State) served as the South‑East caucus leaders. Activities in Anambra State were coordinated by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Enekweizu added that aspirants who disagreed with caucus or stakeholder recommendations could test their popularity through grassroots engagement.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in picking, choosing or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” he said.

He also noted that all aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their states, stressing that the process was carried out without bias.

The party highlighted its affirmative action policy, which encourages greater participation of women in elective positions, and its commitment to supporting serving lawmakers seeking re‑election.

The statement said that reports of aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as complaints about aspects of the process, had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for resolution.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion and the continued growth of our party,” the statement read.

The party explained that throughout the nomination process, aspirants and stakeholders were consistently referred to their respective state caucus leaders for guidance and conflict resolution.

Enekweizu said the NDC’s role had been to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and direct them to engage with established leadership structures.

He described the approach as a reflection of the party’s commitment to consultation, internal democracy and collective progress.

Since receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, the NDC has established party structures from the ward to the national level, held two NEC meetings and conducted nationwide primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions.

The party further claimed that, based on its representation in the National Assembly, it has emerged as the second‑largest political party in the country.

The post NDC begins reconciliation, defends primaries appeared first on Vanguard News.