NDC constitutes 20-person panel to vet candidates for governorship, National Assembly polls

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By Henry Umoru

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The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC has unveiled a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and selection of aspirants ahead of its forthcoming governorship and National Assembly primaries.

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The National Selection Committee will be formally inaugurated on Monday, 25th May, 2026, and thereafter, expected to hold its inaugural meeting immediately.

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The party disclosed this in a statement signed on Friday by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, stating that the move was part of efforts to ensure transparency, internal democracy and credible candidate selection.

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According to the statement, the decision was approved by the party’s National Leader following recommendations by the NWC as preparations intensify for the primaries.

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The Committee is expected to review and scrutinise reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and take final decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants seeking to contest on the party’s platform.

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The National Chairman of the party, Moses Zuwoghe, will serve as the chairman of the 20-member committee, while Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

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Other members include Buba Galadima, Yunusa Tanko, Udenta Udenta, Aminu Abdulsalam, Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, Alhaji Shittu Mohammed, among other members

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The statement read, “The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and credible candidate selection, has approved the constitution of a National Selection Committee.

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“This decision was taken by the National Leader of the Party, acting on the recommendation of the National Working Committee (NWC), as part of ongoing preparations for the screening and selection process ahead of the forthcoming Governorship and National Assembly primaries.

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“The Committee is mandated to review, scrutinize, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants.

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“The Party calls for the understanding, cooperation, and patience of all aspirants, stakeholders, leaders, and members, noting the tight timelines within which these critical tasks must be concluded. This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.

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“In line with the Party’s reform-driven approach to internal democracy, only aspirants who have been duly screened by the National Screening Committee and cleared by the National Selection Committee shall be authorized to purchase nomination forms.

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“Where consensus is not achieved among aspirants, the Party will proceed to conduct direct primaries scheduled to hold from 28th to 30th May, 2026, in accordance with established guidelines.

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“The National Selection Committee will be formally inaugurated on Monday, 25th May, 2026, and is expected to hold its inaugural meeting immediately thereafter.

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“The Nigeria Democratic Congress reaffirms its commitment to a transparent, credible, and inclusive selection process that strengthens party unity and positions the Party for electoral success.”

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