NDC Fixes Date For Primaries, Sends Strong Warning To Members

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its primary elections will begin on May 28, 2026, while confirming that the exercise will be conducted manually after plans to introduce an electronic voting system were shelved.

According to reports, the party said the decision to abandon electronic voting was influenced by time limitations and the need to align with the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The party explained that the move followed marathon deliberations involving the National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee. It also commended the screening committee led by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu for successfully handling what it described as an unexpectedly large number of aspirants.

NDC further praised party supporters and aspirants across the country for embracing the platform and contributing financially toward its activities. It disclosed that only candidates who emerge successful from the primaries would proceed to the secretariat to complete documentation, pay nomination fees, and fulfil other requirements.

The party stressed that violence and intimidation would not be tolerated during the exercise, warning that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against any aspirant or supporter found engaging in disorderly conduct, threats, or acts capable of disrupting the process.

The statement also revealed that an Appeal Panel would soon be inaugurated to handle petitions and complaints arising from the primaries. NDC clarified that direct primaries would be adopted for State Assembly contests at constituency levels, while primaries and affirmations for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and presidential positions would be conducted at designated local government headquarters.

The party added that final results from the exercise would be announced at its National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee. It also encouraged aspirants and stakeholders to embrace consensus arrangements where necessary.

While acknowledging the challenges associated with the manual voting process, the NDC assured members that future primaries would be fully electronic to improve transparency and reduce complaints. The party maintained that the current arrangement was only a temporary measure due to logistical and time-related constraints.

The opposition party also urged officials supervising the exercise to work closely with INEC and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible process nationwide. It added that fairness and collaboration among stakeholders would be essential in strengthening the party as a lasting political institution beyond individual ambitions.