The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved swiftly to distance itself from what it describes as a wave of “shadow endorsement lists” circulating across parts of the country, warning that such documents are undermining internal democracy and threatening to derail preparations for its forthcoming primaries.
Party Clarifies Position
In a strongly worded clarification issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said it had not authorised, approved, or even reviewed any endorsement lists being shared in several states, with particular concern over those emerging from the South-East geopolitical zone. According to the party, the alleged lists—which purportedly rank and endorse certain aspirants ahead of primaries—are not only fake but also deliberately misleading, as they exclude numerous candidates who legitimately purchased Expression of Interest forms and successfully passed party screening processes.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has become aware of purported endorsement lists currently circulating across several states, particularly in the South East,” the statement read. “We wish to categorically state that such lists do not represent the position of the party.”
Internal Democracy at Stake
The NDC stressed that no organ of its national leadership had sanctioned any form of pre-primary endorsement, describing the circulation of such materials as a “dangerous attempt to distort the party’s democratic process from within.” Party officials say the controversy highlights a deeper internal challenge facing many political parties in Nigeria: the tension between grassroots mobilisation, elite bargaining, and the formal rules of internal democracy. Analysts note that endorsement lists—whether real or fabricated—often fuel suspicion among aspirants and can trigger disputes that linger beyond primaries.
The party further clarified that all aspirants who complied with due process, including payment for forms and successful screening, remain eligible to participate in the primaries. It added that the selection process will strictly follow the provisions of the party’s constitution.
Primaries to Follow Due Process
Reaffirming its position, the NDC said the primaries would be conducted through either consensus arrangements or direct voting, depending on the outcome of consultations at various levels of the party structure. It insisted that no individual or faction has the authority to pre-determine outcomes through unofficial endorsements. “All NDC State Executive Committees, party faithful, stakeholders, and the general public are advised to disregard these lists in their entirety,” the statement added. “They are not official documents of the party.”
Broader Implications
Beyond the immediate denial, the development has exposed a broader struggle within the party to maintain cohesion ahead of a critical election cycle. Some insiders argue that the rapid spread of such lists reflects growing factional interests attempting to influence candidate selection before formal voting begins. Political observers say the situation is emblematic of a recurring pattern in Nigeria’s party politics, where internal transparency is frequently tested by unofficial power blocs, often leading to disputes, litigation, or post-primary defections.
Despite the tension, the NDC leadership maintains that it remains committed to transparency, fairness, and internal democracy. It has urged members to remain calm and to rely only on official communications from recognised party structures. As the primaries draw closer, the party now faces the dual challenge of not only organising credible internal elections but also restoring confidence among aspirants who may already be wary of behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. For the NDC, the issue is no longer just about denying endorsement lists—it is about proving that its internal democratic machinery can withstand misinformation, factional pressure, and the high-stakes politics of candidate selection.
