The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that the party did not impose candidates and that all aspirants were given the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party said its primary election process was guided by the principles of consultation, inclusiveness, consensus-building, and stakeholder participation.
The NDC explained that it operates a stakeholder leadership structure across the federation, with caucus heads in various states responsible for consultations and recommendations on party affairs.
According to the party, the South-East geopolitical zone operates under an established leadership structure comprising prominent political leaders and elder statesmen who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.
The party listed Chief Onyema Ugochukwu as the caucus leader in Abia State, former Governor Sam Egwu in Ebonyi State, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu State, and former Governor Achike Udenwa in Imo State, while the structure in Anambra State is coordinated by the team of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The NDC said the caucus leaders were mandated to engage stakeholders, conduct consultations, build consensus, and make recommendations based on the political realities in their states.
It stressed, however, that such recommendations did not infringe on the rights of aspirants seeking elective positions.
“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 statement said.
The party further stated that the National Secretariat was never involved in selecting or imposing 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,” Enekweizu said.
He explained that aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states.
The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy, noting that it remains committed to encouraging greater participation of women in elective positions while also supporting serving lawmakers.
The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints arising from aspects of the primary election process.
However, it said such issues had been brought before the appeal panel and the leadership of the party for appropriate resolution.
Following resolutions reached at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party announced plans to commence a reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity among members and aspirants.
The NDC called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of party cohesion and continued growth.
The party reiterated that throughout the primary election period, its role was limited to receiving new members and aspirants, assuring them of fairness and inclusiveness, and directing them to engage with the appropriate caucus structures in their states.
According to the party, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, respect for established leadership structures, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress.
It’s not issue of leaders because some leaders are already making it out with the oppositions thereby selling out some senatorial zones to the ruling party of the state. We are just waiting that in case of wrong or imposed candidates, NDC will automatically shoot its Legs.