NDC sets up 20-member panel for governorship, N/Assembly primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and emergence of candidates for governorship and National Assembly elections ahead of the 2026 polls.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Ikenna Enekweizu, the party’s National Secretary.

Enekweizu explained that the committee was constituted following recommendations by the National Working Committee (NWC) and approved by the party’s leadership as part of preparations for the primaries.

According to him, the panel will examine and deliberate on reports submitted by the National Screening Committee before making decisions on aspirants seeking the party’s tickets.

“The process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair and credible mechanism,” he said.

Read also: Abba Yusuf’s kinsman in Kano Assembly dumps APC for NDC

The party named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

Other members are Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.

The NDC stated that only aspirants cleared by the committee would qualify to purchase nomination forms.

Enekweizu further disclosed that the arrangement was aimed at fostering internal cohesion and encouraging consensus among aspirants.

He added that direct primaries would hold from May 28 to May 30 in states where consensus candidates fail to emerge.