NDC sets May 29 for national primary elections across the country

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to holding its presidential, governorship, national assembly, and state assembly primaries nationwide on Friday, May 29, 2026, despite the challenges posed by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and logistical issues across the country.

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In a statement signed by the party's national chairman, Moses Cleopas, and national secretary, Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu, the party explained that while the original timetable of May 28 and 29 remains in force, logistical challenges have necessitated adjustments to the schedule.

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The party stated that the Eid-el-Kabir public holidays have caused transportation disruptions and flight unavailability, leaving many aspirants and screening committee members stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.

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As a result, May 28 will now be dedicated to arrivals, consultations, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, as well as meetings with party stakeholders and aspirants in their respective states ahead of the primaries.

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The party warned that only the leadership, and not any state institution, including the police, INEC, Department of State Services (DSS), or any other agency, is expected to participate in the activities scheduled for May 28, and that any unauthorized engagement will be considered illegal.

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The primaries on May 29 will follow a defined order, beginning with the presidential affirmation, followed by National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly primaries and affirmations, and finally governorship primaries and affirmations.

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All results from the states will be collated and transmitted to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee (NWC) will officially announce the outcomes, with no state executive or electoral team having the authority to declare results independently.

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The NDC has called on aspirants, delegates, and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the exercise, reiterating its zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism during the primaries.

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The party has also released the full list of members of its electoral committees to conduct the primaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the committees comprising chairmen, secretaries, and members from different parts of the country.

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Prominent appointments announced by the party include Professor Osita Ogbu for Anambra State, Dr. Osusu Osusu for Rivers State, Chief Barnabas Ejisi for the FCT, Dr. Peter Onigah for Ebonyi State, Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi for Lagos State, Dr. Kebiru Umoru for Delta State, and Barr. Fredrick Owotorufa for Edo State.

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Other committee members include Comrade Babatunde Ali for Imo State, Dr. Clement Agiangie for Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Okey Ezeala for Nasarawa State, Williams Lappi for Adamawa State, and Mainasara Sani Abubakar for Kano State, among several other party officials assigned nationwide responsibilities.

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The NDC leadership stated that the constitution of the committees reflects its commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging all party faithful to cooperate fully with the committees to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.