The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a 20-member National Selection Committee to supervise the screening and selection of aspirants seeking the party’s governorship and National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2026 elections.
The development was announced on Friday in Abuja in a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu.
According to Enekweizu, the committee was approved by the National Leader of the party following recommendations from the National Working Committee as part of ongoing preparations for the party’s primaries.
He explained that the committee would be responsible for reviewing and scrutinising reports submitted by the National Screening Committee before taking final decisions on the eligibility of aspirants.
“The committee is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants,” he stated.
He added that the arrangement was aimed at promoting consensus-building and ensuring the emergence of candidates through a transparent and credible process.
Moses Cleopas was named chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.
Other members include Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Dr Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas J. Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Dr Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.
The party further stated that only aspirants who successfully scale the screening process and secure clearance from the National Selection Committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.
Enekweizu noted that the move was also designed to strengthen internal unity within the party by encouraging consensus among aspirants.
He added that where consensus arrangements fail, the party would conduct direct primaries between May 28 and May 30 in line with its electoral guidelines.
“This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism,” the statement added.
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