NDC distance self from alleged imposition of candidates during primaries

…Tasks leaders on post-⁰primary reconciliation

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted partisan fabrication claims alleging the imposition of candidates in the just-concluded party primaries across the country.

In a statement in Abuja by Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, national secretary, NDC, the party said the process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, believes in the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building.

“The party operates under an established stakeholder leadership structure, which has caucus heads in all of the federation.

“In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, came into the party with an established leadership structure comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.

“The caucus leaders are:

Abia State – Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Chairman of the NDDC Board.
Ebonyi State – His Excellency Dr. Sam Egwu, former Governor, former Minister, and former Senator. Enugu State – His Excellency Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor, former National Secretary, and former National Chairman of the PDP.
Imo State – His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor and former Minister. Anambra State – Since His Excellency Peter Obi is our presidential candidate, his team coordinates the process.

“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states. In addition, each state has recognised stakeholders and grassroots leaders who participate in consultations and make recommendations regarding party affairs.”

According to Morgan, the process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state. Every aspirant who approached the party was received, attended to, and directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members of the party in their respective states.

“In line with its affirmative action policy, the party has demonstrated a commitment to encouraging and supporting female participation in elective offices, and has done so in some cases. The party has also expressed an interest in protecting and supporting serving members of parliament. Beyond these considerations, all aspirants were referred to their state caucus leaders and all those who bought Expression of Interest Forms were asked to go into the field and participate in the primaries. We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed 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 our party.

“For this reason, throughout the past several months, whenever aspirants or stakeholders approached the party regarding elective positions, we consistently referred them to their respective state caucus leaders. Likewise, those with concerns or grievances were advised to channel such matters through their caucuses for resolution.”

He said the party’s role during this period has been to “receive new members and prospective aspirants into the NDC, welcome them to the party, reassure them of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness, and direct them to engage with their respective caucus leaders for guidance and participation in the process.

“This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress within the party.”