The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the use of direct primaries for State Assembly positions ahead of the party’s forthcoming nationwide primaries.
The decision was reached following what the party described as extensive deliberations involving the NWC, the Selection Committee, and other key stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the meeting was attended by the National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and other senior party officials.
According to the statement, the Screening Committee, chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, submitted its report after nearly one week of screening aspirants from across the country.
“The NDC commends the Screening Committee for its diligence, professionalism, and sacrifice throughout the rigorous screening process, which lasted nearly one week and involved an overwhelming number of aspirants nationwide,” the statement read.
The party announced that all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest forms would be eligible to participate in the primaries within their respective constituencies, citing time constraints and consultations with stakeholders as reasons for the decision.
Successful aspirants are expected to proceed to the party’s national secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees, and completion of other nomination formalities.
The statement further disclosed that the party has constituted and deployed primary election teams made up of senior officials and experienced administrators to all states of the federation to supervise the exercise alongside local stakeholders and party leaders.
“In line with party guidelines, primaries for State Assembly positions shall be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level, while affirmations and primaries for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions shall take place at various local government headquarters,” the statement added.
It noted that final results from the exercises would be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NDC also encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements where possible in the interest of party unity, stability, and democratic consolidation.
The party warned against violence, intimidation, threats, and disorderly conduct during the primaries, stressing that disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Additionally, the leadership announced plans to inaugurate an appeal panel to address complaints and grievances arising from the primaries.
While acknowledging significant time constraints, the party stated that it was unable to fully deploy its proposed electronic voting and collation system for the exercise.
However, the NDC leadership assured members that future primaries would be fully digitised.
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