NDC Moves To Reconcile Aggrieved Aspirants Following Nationwide Primaries
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has commenced a reconciliation process aimed at resolving grievances arising from the party’s recently concluded primary elections conducted across the country.
The move followed concerns and complaints raised by some aspirants over the conduct of the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly primaries held last weekend.
The decision to begin reconciliation efforts was reached during the party’s second National Executive Committee meeting as part of broader measures to unite aggrieved members, strengthen internal cohesion and address allegations surrounding the exercise.
Some aspirants had criticized the conduct of the primaries, alleging irregularities, manipulation and the imposition of candidates in certain states and constituencies.
The complaints reportedly triggered internal disagreements within sections of the party, prompting the leadership to initiate consultations and peace-building efforts to prevent deeper divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the NDC, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, rejected allegations of irregularities and candidate imposition.
The party defended the conduct of the nationwide primaries, insisting that the process complied with the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines and democratic principles.
According to the statement, many of the allegations being circulated were either based on misunderstandings of the party’s procedures or deliberate attempts to undermine the growing influence of the political organization.
The party explained that it adopted a consensus-building approach during the primaries, which prioritized consultations, dialogue and stakeholder engagement in order to minimize disputes and strengthen party unity.
“The claims that the elections were characterized by irregularities and imposition are false and largely driven by misunderstanding of the party’s constitution and guidelines, as well as deliberate attempts to undermine the growing influence of the NDC,” the statement read.
Enekweizu stated that caucus leaders and political stakeholders across different regions were tasked with coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on local political realities within their states.
The party disclosed that in the South-East geopolitical zone, specific party leaders were assigned to supervise consultations and coordinate stakeholder engagements.
According to the statement, former leaders and senior political figures including Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Governor Sam Egwu, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo and former Governor Achike Udenwa were assigned responsibilities in Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states respectively.
The party further explained that political activities and consultations in Anambra State were coordinated through the political structure of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The NDC maintained that aspirants dissatisfied with recommendations made during consultations still had the opportunity to test their popularity through democratic participation at the grassroots level.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu stated.
He added that all aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members within their states throughout the process.
According to him, the consultations and nomination procedures were conducted without bias or preferential treatment.
The party also highlighted its affirmative action policy, which seeks to encourage greater participation of women in elective positions across the country.
In addition, the NDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting serving lawmakers seeking re-election, provided they continued to align with the party’s vision and objectives.
The statement further revealed that reports of aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as formal complaints regarding aspects of the process, had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for resolution.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion and the continued growth of our party,” the statement added.
The party stressed that throughout the nomination process, aspirants and stakeholders were consistently referred to their respective state caucus leaders for guidance, consultations and conflict resolution where necessary.
According to Enekweizu, the role of the national leadership was mainly to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of the party’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness, and direct them to established party structures.
He described the process as a reflection of the NDC’s commitment to internal democracy, consultation and collective political progress.
The party also used the opportunity to highlight some of its achievements since receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026.
According to the statement, the NDC has established party structures from the ward to the national level, conducted two NEC meetings and successfully organized nationwide primaries for various elective positions.
The party further claimed that based on its current representation in the National Assembly, it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country.
Political analysts believe the reconciliation process may play a crucial role in determining the party’s stability and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers note that internal disputes arising from party primaries have historically contributed to defections, legal battles and weakened electoral performances among political parties in Nigeria.
They argue that how the NDC manages aggrieved aspirants and resolves internal disagreements could significantly influence public perception of the party’s credibility and readiness for national leadership.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, major political parties are expected to continue consultations, coalition-building efforts and internal restructuring aimed at strengthening their positions ahead of the polls.
