NDC appeals for calm as Edo members protest irregularities in primary

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for peace and restraint after some party members in Edo State staged a peaceful protest over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the party’s primary elections.

The protests occurred on Friday as the NDC conducted nationwide primaries to select its candidates for the 2027 presidential, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly elections.

According to reports, aggrieved members accused the party’s National Working Committee of failing to properly organize the exercise, leading to confusion among delegates and supporters ahead of the commencement of voting.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, Fred Owotorufa assured party members that the primaries would proceed as scheduled and be concluded before midnight.

He directed aspirants and their supporters to return to their respective wards and local government areas, where the direct primary process would take place.

Owotorufa explained that results would move from ward levels to local government and constituency offices before final collation at the state level in Benin City.

“This process should be concluded before 12 midnight. It’s a selfless sacrifice, and we should all be prepared to sacrifice for our great nation and party,” he stated.

He further maintained that the NDC had no preferred aspirant and had provided a level playing field for all contestants.

However, some protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the process.

One of the aggrieved members, Cletus Omoruyi, questioned the transparency of the exercise, alleging that participants were instructed to arrive early only to be later directed back to their wards.

Another party member, Monica Enabulele, said she was disappointed by what she described as a lack of proactive planning by the committee.

Similarly, party chieftain David Omokugbo called on the organizers to explain the delays and the late directive regarding the conduct of direct primaries.

Despite the concerns raised, party officials insist the process remains credible and transparent, while urging members to cooperate to ensure the successful completion of the primaries.

The incident underscores the logistical and organizational challenges political parties continue to face as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.