NDC defends primary election process, denies imposition of candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recent primary elections, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership. It also said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu on Thursday, the NDC said its candidate selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country. The party also insisted that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of “picking, choosing, or imposing candidates” on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries.

“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. According to the party, aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities.

The NDC noted that in the South-East geopolitical zone, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region. These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others.

The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.