The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state House of Assembly primaries were characterised by irregularities and the imposition of candidates.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the party’s National Secretary, Morgan Enekweizu, described the criticisms as a result of misunderstanding of the party’s constitution and guidelines, as well as deliberate efforts to undermine its growing political influence.
According to Enekweizu, the NDC should instead be commended for adopting a consensus-based approach designed to minimise disputes, strengthen internal democracy, and promote unity among members.
“The NDC, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building,” he said.
Defending the conduct of the primaries, Enekweizu cited the South-East geopolitical zone as an example of the party’s consultative model, noting that the process had been successful despite claims to the contrary.
He explained that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an established leadership structure made up of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.
According to him, these leaders include former Chairman of the NDDC Board, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia State); former Ebonyi State Governor and ex-Minister, Dr Sam Egwu; former PDP National Chairman and former Enugu State Governor, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa; and Obi’s political team, which coordinates party activities in Anambra State.
Enekweizu said the caucus leaders were tasked with consulting stakeholders, building consensus, and making recommendations based on political realities within their states.
He stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were allowed to test their popularity through democratic processes at the grassroots level.
“In addition, each state has recognised stakeholders and grassroots leaders who participate in consultations and make recommendations regarding party affairs.
“This 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,” he said.
The party secretary maintained that the NDC national secretariat never imposed candidates on any constituency or state.
“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,” he added.
Enekweizu further noted that the party’s affirmative action policy had encouraged greater participation of women in elective positions while also seeking to protect and support serving lawmakers.
He said all aspirants who purchased expression of interest forms were instructed to participate in the primaries through recognised party structures in their respective states.
Addressing complaints arising from the primaries, he disclosed that reports of self-declared candidates and grievances raised by some aspirants had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for resolution.
“We are aware of reports that some aspirants prematurely declared themselves 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,” he said.
Enekweizu revealed that the party’s National Executive Committee, at its meeting on Wednesday, resolved to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity and cohesion among members.
He called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage aspirants and members in the interest of strengthening the party ahead of future political contests.
The NDC secretary reiterated that the party’s role throughout the process was to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness while directing aspirants and stakeholders to the appropriate party structures.
“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,” he stated.
The NDC, which received its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, said it has since established structures from the ward to the national level, held two National Executive Committee meetings, and successfully conducted nationwide primaries for elective offices.
The party also claimed to have emerged as the second-largest political party in Nigeria based on its representation in the National Assembly.