National Democratic Congress initiates unity efforts, refutes allegations of forcing candidates on constituencies following national polls

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has initiated a reconciliation process to address grievances among its members following the primary elections held across the country last weekend, as decided at its 2nd NEC meeting, which also aimed to clarify reports about the imposition of candidates.

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The NDC's move to heal the rift and unite its members comes after some aspirants criticized the primary polls, alleging irregularities and manipulation in the recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly primaries.

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In a statement issued on Friday, signed by Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party's National Secretary, the NDC defended its primary elections, stating that claims of irregularities and imposition of candidates are untrue.

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The party attributed the negative narrative surrounding its primary elections to ignorance of its constitution and guidelines, as well as mischief from those intimidated by the NDC's rising profile, and noted that it adopted an innovative approach prioritizing consensus-building and stakeholder consultations.

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The approach was particularly effective in the South-East, where caucus leaders, including Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Governor Sam Egwu, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, and former Governor Achike Udenwa, coordinated consultations and made recommendations based on their states' political realities.

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The structure of the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also coordinated activities in Anambra State, and Enekweizu explained that aspirants who disagreed with caucus leaders' recommendations could test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.

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Enekweizu emphasized that the NDC National Secretariat was not involved in imposing candidates on any constituency or state, and that all aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their states.

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The statement, titled "Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections," highlighted the party's commitment to leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building, and noted that the NDC is founded on these principles.

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The party's leadership structure in the South-East comprises respected elder statesmen and political leaders, including Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Governor Sam Egwu, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, and former Governor Achike Udenwa, who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.

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The NDC has also demonstrated a commitment to encouraging and supporting female participation in elective office, as well as protecting and supporting serving members of parliament, and has referred all aspirants to their state caucus leaders.

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The party is aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates and complaints regarding the process, which have been addressed by the Appeal Panel and the party's leadership.

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Following the NEC meeting, the party is now embarking on a comprehensive reconciliation process, and is counting on its caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity and cohesion.

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The NDC Secretary noted that the party's role has been to receive new members and prospective aspirants, welcome them to the party, and direct them to engage with their respective caucus leaders for guidance and participation in the process.

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This approach reflects the party's commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress within the party, and the NDC has achieved significant milestones, including receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026.

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Within 90 days, the NDC has put in place much of its constitutional party structures, held two National Executive Committee meetings, and organized nationwide presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries, making it the second largest party in the country by virtue of its representation at the National Assembly.