The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that its primaries for presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly positions will proceed nationwide today, May 29, in line with the party's original schedule. The party also announced that only aspirants who emerge victorious in the ongoing primaries for the 2027 general elections will be required to pay nomination fees.
Logistical Adjustments Due to Eid-el-Kabir
In a statement jointly signed by the party's National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC explained that the Eid-el-Kabir holidays caused transportation and logistical challenges, including limited flight availability. Many aspirants who traveled to Abuja for screening exercises, along with screening committee members, were unable to leave the Federal Capital Territory due to these disruptions.
The party stated that May 28 would be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with electoral and security authorities, consultative engagements, and other preparatory activities ahead of the May 29 primaries. Party teams were also scheduled to meet with stakeholders, elders, and aspirants across various states.
Guidelines and Security
The NDC emphasized that no government agency, including the Police, INEC, or DSS, is expected to participate in any meetings or activities scheduled for May 28. Any actions outside the approved guidelines will be considered unauthorized. The party outlined the sequence for the May 29 primaries: presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries/affirmation, state assembly primaries/affirmation, and governorship primaries/affirmation.
All results from the exercise will be collated and transmitted to the party's National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will officially announce the outcomes. No state executive or committee has the authority to declare results independently.
Decision on Nomination Fees
Henry Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the party, disclosed that only successful aspirants will proceed to pay nomination fees and complete documentation. This decision was announced in a statement on his official X account following a joint meeting involving the party's National Working Committee, Selection Committee, and Screening Committee.
According to Dickson, the measure was adopted due to time constraints and the unexpectedly high number of aspirants seeking to contest on the NDC platform. He stated, "Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies. Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms."
Zero Tolerance for Violence
The former Bayelsa State governor reiterated the party's zero tolerance for violence during the exercise, warning that anyone involved in intimidation, threats, or disorderly conduct will face disciplinary action. He explained that state house of assembly primaries will be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level, while primaries and affirmations for the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions will take place at designated local government headquarters.
