National Democratic Congress initiates unity efforts, justifies election process

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has initiated a reconciliation effort to address grievances stemming from its primary elections, which took place across the country last weekend, with the goal of uniting aggrieved members and resolving concerns surrounding the primaries.

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This decision was made during the party's second National Executive Committee meeting, as part of a broader effort to address the concerns of disgruntled members and alleviate internal tensions within the party.

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Certain aspirants had expressed criticism of the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state House of Assembly primaries, citing irregularities, manipulation, and the imposition of candidates, which they claimed had triggered internal disagreements within the party.

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However, in a statement released on Friday and signed by National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC rejected these allegations and defended the conduct of the nationwide primaries, stating that claims of irregularities and candidate imposition were false.

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According to the party, these claims were largely driven by a misunderstanding of the party's constitution and guidelines, as well as deliberate attempts to undermine its growing influence, and the NDC asserted that it had adopted a consensus-building approach to minimise disputes and strengthen party cohesion.

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In the South-East, the party had tasked caucus leaders and political stakeholders with coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on the political realities of their respective states, with Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Governor Sam Egwu, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, and former Governor Achike Udenwa serving as caucus leaders for Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, respectively.

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Meanwhile, activities in Anambra State were coordinated by the political structure of the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Enekweizu noted that aspirants dissatisfied with recommendations made by caucus leaders or stakeholders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.

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Enekweizu maintained that the NDC National Secretariat had never been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, and all aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their states, with the process conducted without bias.

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The party also highlighted its affirmative action policy, which encourages greater participation of women in elective positions, while noting its commitment to supporting serving lawmakers seeking re-election, and reports of aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process, had been referred to the party's Appeal Panel and leadership for resolution.

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Following the NEC meeting, the party stated that it now looks forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process, counting on its 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 the party.

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Throughout the nomination process, aspirants and stakeholders were consistently referred to their respective state caucus leaders for guidance and conflict resolution, and Enekweizu described the party's approach as a reflection of its commitment to consultation, internal democracy, and collective progress.

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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, and the party claims to have emerged as the second-largest political party in the country based on its representation in the National Assembly.