By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it’s primary election process was guided by consultation, inclusiveness, consensus-building and internal democracy.
Recall that many aspirants complained of marginalisation and deliberate compromise of the process to favour certain pre determined candidates and rejected the election results.
But in a communique issued at the end of it’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the NDC remained committed to its founding principles and rejected suggestions that candidates were imposed by the national leadership.
According to the party, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an established leadership structure in the South-East geopolitical zone comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
The party identified the caucus leaders as former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, for Abia State; former Governor, Minister and Senator, Dr. Sam Egwu, for Ebonyi State; former Governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, for Enugu State; and former Governor and Minister, Chief Achike Udenwa, for Imo State. In Anambra State, the process was coordinated by Peter Obi’s political team.
The NDC explained that the caucus leaders were tasked with conducting consultations among stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on the political realities in their states.
“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 the process did not infringe on the rights of aspirants, noting that those who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to contest through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
According to the statement, the NDC National Secretariat neither selected nor imposed candidates on any constituency or state.
“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 all aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their respective states as part of the nomination process.
The party also highlighted its commitment to affirmative action, saying it had taken deliberate steps to encourage and support women seeking elective office. It further disclosed that efforts were made to protect and support serving lawmakers within the party’s framework.
The NDC acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates and complaints from others regarding aspects of the primary process.
However, it said such issues had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for appropriate action.
“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the Appeal Panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement noted.
Following resolutions reached at the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the NDC said it would immediately commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at strengthening party unity.
The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and other leaders to engage dissatisfied aspirants and members in the interest of cohesion and continued growth.
“We now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. 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 statement added.
The NDC maintained that throughout the nomination process, its role was largely limited to receiving new members and aspirants, reassuring them of the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and directing them to their respective caucus leaders for guidance and participation.
According to the party, the approach reflects its commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy and the collective pursuit of unity and progress.
