The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a new guideline for its ongoing internal electoral process, stating that only aspirants who emerge successful in the party’s primaries will proceed to pay nomination fees and complete required documentation.
The announcement was made by the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Wednesday. He said the decision was reached during a joint meeting involving key party structures responsible for screening and candidate selection.
According to Dickson, the meeting included the NDC national chairman, Cleopas Moses, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), as well as representatives of both the selection and screening committees.
He explained that the arrangement was designed in response to time constraints and the need to streamline the party’s preparations ahead of its primaries. Under the new framework, all individuals who purchased Expression of Interest forms will still be allowed to participate in the primaries within their respective constituencies. However, financial obligations tied to nomination forms will only apply after the emergence of candidates through the party’s voting process.
Dickson noted that the adjustment does not exclude any aspirant from contesting at the primary level. Instead, it defers payment obligations until after the internal elections, when successful candidates will be required to report to the party secretariat for documentation and formal nomination processing.
He stated that this structure is intended to reduce administrative pressure on aspirants while ensuring that only those who secure party tickets commit further financial and procedural resources. The party, according to him, believes this will improve efficiency in managing the large number of participants expected in the primaries.
In his statement, Dickson also confirmed that teams have been constituted and deployed across the country to supervise the conduct of the primaries. These teams, he said, comprise senior party officials tasked with ensuring that the process is carried out in line with internal guidelines. They are expected to work closely with stakeholders at state and local levels to ensure smooth execution.
He further urged those overseeing the exercise to maintain fairness and pay attention to aspirants with demonstrated capacity to win general elections. He stressed that the party is open to participation from women and young people, describing inclusiveness as a core consideration in the ongoing process.
The primaries are scheduled to take place on May 28 and 29, according to the party’s timetable. Dickson advised all aspirants to rely on their Expression of Interest forms as valid credentials for participation in the exercise, pending further instructions from the party leadership.
Beyond the primary process, the NDC leadership also announced the establishment of an appeal panel to address grievances that may arise during or after the exercise. The panel, according to the statement, is expected to provide a formal channel for resolving disputes and ensuring that complaints are reviewed in line with party rules.
Dickson also clarified the structure of the primaries across different levels of political office. He explained that direct primaries will be used for state assembly positions, allowing delegates or party members at the constituency level to vote directly for candidates.
For higher offices, including seats in the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and the presidency, the party will adopt an affirmation-based approach conducted at the local government level. He said this method was agreed upon to simplify coordination and reduce logistical strain while still maintaining internal democratic procedures.
Political observers say the new arrangement reflects an attempt by the party to balance inclusiveness with operational efficiency as it prepares for a tightly scheduled internal election cycle. It also signals an effort to manage financial barriers often associated with party nominations by shifting payment obligations to a later stage of the selection process.
The coming primaries are expected to test both the organisational capacity of the NDC and the acceptance of its revised procedures among aspirants competing for various positions across the country.
