The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership.
The party maintained that all aspirants were given equal opportunities to participate in a transparent and democratic process, while emphasizing that candidate selection was based on consultations, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement across the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, dismissed allegations that the NDC National Secretariat influenced the emergence of candidates in any state or constituency.
According to him, the party’s leadership did not interfere in the selection process.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu stated.
He explained that aspirants were encouraged to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their various states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities.
The party said its candidate selection process relied heavily on established leadership structures and stakeholder consultations at the state level.
According to the NDC, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with a network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen, particularly in the South-East, who currently serve as caucus heads in the region.
Among those mentioned were former governors Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, alongside other senior political figures.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states,” the statement said.
The party stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were not shut out of the process.
Instead, they were given the opportunity to participate in grassroots primaries and test their popularity among party members.
“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant.”
“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,” the party said.
While acknowledging concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC said reports of premature declarations of victory and complaints regarding aspects of the process had already been forwarded to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for review.
The party reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy in resolving any disputes arising from the exercise.
The NDC also highlighted efforts to promote greater female participation in politics through its affirmative action policy.
According to the party, measures were put in place to encourage more women to contest elective positions while balancing the interests of serving lawmakers and other stakeholders.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to commence a broad reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity and healing divisions that may have emerged during the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.
“We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party stated that its primary role throughout the nomination process was to welcome new members and aspirants, assure them of fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, its approach reflects a strong commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as preparations continue for future elections.
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