The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has begun a nationwide reconciliation process following disputes that trailed its recently concluded primary elections, while firmly rejecting allegations of irregularities and candidate imposition.
The decision was taken at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where leaders agreed on the need to engage dissatisfied aspirants and strengthen internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development follows complaints by some aspirants across the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly primaries, who alleged manipulation, procedural breaches and the imposition of candidates by party authorities.
In a statement issued on Friday, the National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, dismissed the claims, insisting that the exercises were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and internal guidelines.
He described the allegations as unfounded, attributing them to misunderstandings of the party’s internal processes as well as attempts by some actors to discredit its growing structure.
Enekweizu maintained that the party secretariat had no role in selecting or imposing candidates, stressing that the process was driven by consultations at the grassroots and state levels.
“At no time did the National Secretariat pick or impose candidates on any constituency. Aspirants were directed to engage caucus leaders, stakeholders and party members within their respective states,” he said.
According to the party, the primaries were structured around a consensus-building approach designed to reduce internal disputes and promote cohesion.
In the South-East, the party said consultations were coordinated by prominent political figures and stakeholders assigned to each state to reflect local political realities.
Those named included Chief Onyema Ugochukwu for Abia State, former Governor Sam Egwu for Ebonyi State, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu State, and former Governor Achike Udenwa for Imo State, while activities in Anambra State were overseen by structures aligned with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party added that aspirants dissatisfied with stakeholder recommendations were free to contest at the grassroots level in line with its internal democratic procedures.
Enekweizu also pointed to the party’s affirmative action policy aimed at improving women’s participation in elective offices, alongside its support for sitting legislators seeking re-election.
He said all complaints arising from the primaries, including disputes over declarations and procedural concerns, had been referred to the party’s appeal panel for review.
Following the NEC meeting, the party announced plans to commence a comprehensive reconciliation exercise involving caucus leaders, state executives and stakeholders to resolve grievances and foster unity.
The statement added that party leaders had consistently directed aggrieved aspirants to appropriate internal structures for conflict resolution throughout the nomination process.
The NDC described this approach as part of its commitment to consultation, inclusiveness and internal democracy.
It further noted that since its registration on February 5, 2026, the party had established structures nationwide, held two NEC meetings and conducted primaries for major elective positions across all levels.
The party also claimed that, based on its current representation in the National Assembly, it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country, positioning itself as a major force ahead of the 2027 elections.
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