The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has initiated a nationwide reconciliation effort following complaints arising from its recently concluded primary elections, while insisting that the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
The decision was reached at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where leaders resolved to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in a bid to strengthen unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move comes after some aspirants alleged irregularities in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly primaries, accusing party leaders of manipulating the process and imposing candidates.
However, the party dismissed the allegations, describing them as unfounded and largely the result of a misunderstanding of its internal procedures.
In a statement issued on Friday, National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu said the NDC remained committed to transparency, fairness and internal democracy throughout the nomination process.
He maintained that the National Secretariat did not interfere in the selection of candidates and played no role in imposing aspirants on any constituency or state.
“At no point was the National Secretariat involved in picking or imposing candidates. Aspirants were encouraged to engage stakeholders, caucus leaders and party members at the grassroots level,” he said.
According to the party, the primaries were preceded by extensive consultations aimed at building consensus and reducing internal conflicts.
The NDC explained that in the South-East, respected political leaders and stakeholders were assigned responsibility for coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on prevailing political realities in their respective states.
Those involved in the process included former Minister of Information, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, in Abia State; former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu, in Ebonyi; former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo, in Enugu; and former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, in Imo. The party said political structures loyal to its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, coordinated activities in Anambra State.
The party stressed that aspirants dissatisfied with the recommendations of caucus leaders were free to seek support through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
Enekweizu also highlighted the party’s affirmative action policy, which seeks to encourage greater participation of women in elective offices, while reaffirming support for serving lawmakers seeking another term.
He noted that complaints arising from the primaries, including reports of premature declarations of victory by some aspirants, had been referred to the party’s appeal mechanisms for review and resolution.
“As resolved by the NEC, the party will immediately commence a broad reconciliation process. We urge caucus leaders, stakeholders and state executives to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity and party growth,” the statement said.
The NDC said it had consistently directed aspirants and members with concerns to their respective state caucus leaders, who were empowered to mediate disputes and provide guidance throughout the nomination process.
The party described the approach as evidence of its commitment to consultation, inclusiveness and collective decision-making.
It also highlighted what it described as rapid organisational growth since receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, noting that it had established structures across the country, held two NEC meetings and successfully conducted primaries for all major elective positions.
The NDC further claimed that, based on its current representation in the National Assembly, it has become the country’s second-largest political party, positioning itself as a major contender in the 2027 elections.