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.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC maintained that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the nomination process.
The party said its candidate selection process was guided by consultations, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
According to the statement, the National Secretariat did not participate in selecting or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that emerged after the primaries.
The party explained that aspirants were encouraged 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.
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The NDC noted that in the South-East, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, works alongside a network of senior political leaders and elder statesmen serving as caucus heads in the region. These include former governors Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo and Achike Udenwa.
The party said the leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and building consensus around aspirants within their states.
It added that aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries, stressing that no one was excluded from the process.
Addressing complaints raised after the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of disputes and premature declarations of victory by some aspirants but stated that such matters had been referred to the party’s appeal mechanisms for resolution.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusiveness and increased participation of women in politics, noting that efforts were made to encourage more female aspirants to seek elective positions.
Meanwhile, the NDC announced plans to commence a reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity and strengthening cohesion within the party following the conclusion of the primaries.
The party said the initiative would involve caucus leaders, state executives, stakeholders, and aspirants as part of efforts to consolidate its structures ahead of future elections.
