The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations that it imposed candidates during its recently concluded primary elections.
The party insisted that aspirants were selected through consultations and grassroots participation coordinated by state caucuses.
In a statement on Friday, the party said its national secretariat was not involved in the selection of candidates, noting that it only directed aspirants to engage with recognised leaders and stakeholders in their respective states.
The clarification comes amid allegations of imposition and lack of transparency by some aspirants, including activist Aisha Yesufu and actor-turned-politician Emeka Ike, who questioned aspects of the primary process in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The NDC described itself as a party built on consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building, noting that it operates through an established leadership structure across the country.
According to the party, each state has caucus leaders responsible for consultations, consensus-building and recommendations based on local political realities.
“In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, came into the party with an established leadership structure comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders who serve as caucus heads in their respective states,” the statement reads.
The party listed former governors and senior political figures, including Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo and Achike Udenwa, among those overseeing consultations in their states.
THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH CAUCUS RECOMMENDATIONS
The NDC said aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by caucus leaders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process.
“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant,” the party said.
“Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated.”
The party maintained that it never imposed candidates on any constituency or state.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” it said.
“Every aspirant who approached the party was received, attended to, and directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members of the party in their respective states.”
The party acknowledged receiving complaints from some aspirants over aspects of the primary process but said such grievances had been referred to the appeal panel and party leadership for resolution.
It added that a reconciliation process approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) would soon commence to address concerns and strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” the statement said.
“We count on our esteemed 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.”
