The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its recently concluded primaries were influenced by imposed candidates, insisting that its selection process was driven by consultation at state and grassroots levels.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party said aspirants were guided to work through established caucus structures rather than rely on the national secretariat for nominations.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” the statement said.
The party explained that its internal arrangement places emphasis on engagement with state leaders and stakeholders as part of its decision-making process.
According to the statement, aspirants were expected to consult caucus leaders and local stakeholders, who would in turn build consensus and forward recommendations based on political realities in their respective areas.
The party added that disagreements within the process were anticipated and accommodated through internal democratic channels.
“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,” it said.
The NDC also addressed its structure in the South-East, where its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, operates alongside established regional leadership figures coordinating state-level consultations.
Among them are Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia, Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu, and Achike Udenwa in Imo.
The party said these leaders were tasked with engaging stakeholders, encouraging consensus, and making recommendations reflective of conditions in their states.
It further stated that the national leadership did not participate in the selection of candidates for constituencies or states, but only ensured that aspirants were properly directed into the appropriate consultation channels.
The statement also acknowledged reports of disputes during the primaries, including cases where some aspirants publicly declared themselves as candidates before the process was concluded.
“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement said.
The NDC said those concerns are being reviewed internally and would be resolved through its appeal structures.
It added that a reconciliation process would soon begin following resolutions reached at its National Executive Committee meeting, aimed at addressing grievances and strengthening internal cohesion.
