The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has successfully uploaded the name of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, describing the development as a major step in its preparations for the forthcoming general election.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Leader, Seriake, the NDC said it had also filed an appeal against a recent court judgment, alongside an application for a stay of execution, both of which have been served on the INEC Chairman and the electoral commission.
The party stated that it was granted access to the INEC nomination portal, enabling it to commence the submission of candidates’ names in line with the electoral timetable.
According to the statement, the names of the National Leader and the party’s presidential candidate have already been uploaded, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details are expected to be submitted after the completion of the required documentation.
The party added that the nomination process for its other candidates across the country is also ongoing.
Reaffirming its legal status, the NDC maintained that it remains a duly registered political party that has participated in all stages of the electoral process. It noted that its primary elections were conducted under the supervision and monitoring of INEC, resulting in the emergence of candidates for various elective offices.
The party explained that the remaining task is the administrative submission of candidates’ names to the electoral commission within the deadlines set in the electoral timetable.
It noted that INEC’s schedule provides until July 11 for the submission of National Assembly candidates and July 17 for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.
The National Leader appealed to party faithful to remain calm, expressing confidence that there is adequate time to complete the nomination process for all candidates.
While acknowledging disagreements that surfaced during the party’s primaries, the statement said reconciliation efforts are underway to foster unity among aspirants and stakeholders nationwide.
It assured unsuccessful aspirants that they would be integrated into campaign structures, committees and other party activities, describing them as critical to the party’s grassroots mobilisation.
The NDC congratulated its candidates, members and supporters, while calling for the protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
The party also commended INEC for what it described as its professionalism in handling the party’s registration and electoral processes, urging the commission, the judiciary and security agencies to remain impartial in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
According to the statement, the pending appeal and related applications before the courts will ultimately determine the legal issues surrounding the matter in accordance with the law.