NDC Sets Date for 2026 Primaries
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its primary elections will commence on May 28, 2026. The party also confirmed that it will not use the electronic voting system it had previously designed for the exercise.
Decision Follows Extensive Deliberations
The decision came after lengthy discussions that lasted into the early morning, involving the National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee.
Party Commends Screening Panel
The NDC praised the screening panel, chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, for managing an unexpectedly large number of aspirants. It also thanked all aspirants and supporters who contributed funds and adopted the party’s platform for their political ambitions across the country.
Procedures for Successful Candidates
Only those who succeed in the primaries will be required to report to the party secretariat to finalise documentation, purchase nomination forms, and fulfil any other requirements.
Zero‑Tolerance Warning Against Violence
While urging a peaceful process, the NDC warned that any aspirant or supporter found engaging in intimidation, threats, or disorderly conduct will face serious sanctions.
The statement read, “After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which lasted till this morning, and in the company of the National Chairman of our party, our presidential aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee led by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.”
“We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations.”
“Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies.”
“Our party is women‑ and youth‑friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections. We call for violence‑free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour.”
“The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct.”
Appeal Panel Established
The NDC also said it will set up an Appeal Panel to handle any complaints that may arise during the primary exercise.
Primary Election Structure
Direct primaries will be used for State Assembly contests at the constituency level. For House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions, primaries and affirmations will take place at various local government headquarters.
Result Announcement and Future Plans
Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. The NDC recommends seeking consensus where possible.
The party noted that the limited time frame made it impossible to fully implement the electronic voting system it had designed for all primaries and congresses. As a result, this exercise will be conducted manually, acknowledging that imperfections may occur due to logistical challenges.
“As I said at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually. We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us.”
“Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.”
Call for Cooperation with INEC and Security
The NDC urged all officials involved in the exercise to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a transparent, peaceful, and credible process.
“Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process.”
“Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special‑purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.”
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