The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cleared every aspirant who obtained an Expression of Interest Form to participate in its nationwide primaries, as the Party unveiled a fresh set of rules ahead of the crucial exercise.
The decision followed a closed-door strategy session involving members of the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the Selection Committee, top stakeholders and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi.
During the meeting, the Party ratified the report submitted by its Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu, after almost one week of screening across the federation.
In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC commended the committee for carrying out what it described as a rigorous assignment with dedication and professionalism.
The Party explained that the tight political calendar informed its decision to allow all cleared aspirants to contest the primaries. It added that successful candidates would later proceed to the National Secretariat to conclude nomination documentation and payment formalities.
To guarantee a hitch-free process, the NDC said it had deployed special election teams made up of senior officials and experienced administrators to supervise the primaries in collaboration with state leaders and stakeholders nationwide.
According to the guidelines, State Assembly primaries will be conducted through direct voting within constituencies, while governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and presidential primaries, including affirmations, will take place at local government headquarters.
The Party stated that final results from the exercise would be announced officially by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the national headquarters.
While encouraging aspirants to adopt consensus arrangements where necessary, the NDC stressed that Party unity and internal cohesion must come ahead of individual ambitions.
The opposition Party also reiterated its commitment to youth and women participation, urging delegates to back aspirants with strong grassroots appeal and proven electoral value.
The NDC warned that any individual involved in violence, intimidation or actions capable of undermining the credibility of the primaries would face sanctions.
It further disclosed plans to establish an Appeal Panel to handle complaints and petitions arising from the exercise.
Although the Party admitted that time limitations prevented the full rollout of its electronic voting and collation system, it assured members that future primaries would be fully digitised to strengthen transparency and efficiency.
The Party also appealed to security agencies, stakeholders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to support the conduct of peaceful and credible primaries across the country.
