NDC Gives Fresh Update on Nationwide Primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has clarified that its Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly primaries will still hold nationwide on May 29, 2026, in line with the party’s earlier timetable for May 28 and 29.

In a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and the National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party explained that adjustments became necessary due to transportation and logistical disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir public holidays.

The party said many aspirants who travelled to Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening committee, were stranded in the Federal Capital Territory because of the non-availability of flights and other movement challenges.

“Consequently, the party has decided that May 28 should be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations, while the actual primaries will now hold on May 29,” the statement said.

According to the party, officials deployed for the exercise are expected to use May 28 to meet with stakeholders, party elders and aspirants in their respective states ahead of the primaries.

The NDC also stressed that no government agency was expected to participate in the activities scheduled for May 28.

“No agencies of the state, viz: Police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programmes and meetings of May 28. Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal,” the party stated.

It further outlined the order of activities for the May 29 exercise to include presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly primaries and affirmations, as well as governorship primaries and affirmations.

The party said all results from the exercise would be collated and processed by designated teams before transmission to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee would officially announce the outcomes.

“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement added.

The NDC appealed for understanding from party members and aspirants, while reiterating its zero tolerance for violence and disorderly conduct during the exercise.

“We call for understanding and urge all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, as the party has zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the party has released the list of members of its Electoral Committee ahead of its nationwide primary elections.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the committee is tasked with overseeing the conduct of primaries for State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential candidates across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The party confirmed that the primaries will hold on May 29, 2026, in line with its earlier timetable, with electoral officials deployed to ensure transparency and compliance with internal party guidelines.

According to the leadership, the committee will supervise the collation of results and ensure adherence to due process throughout the exercise nationwide.