The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it has not released any official results of its primary elections in any state. The opposition party, through its spokesperson Osa Director, called on Nigerians to disregard any such lists currently in circulation.
According to reports, the NDC is facing multiple crises in its state chapters, with members alleging that many primaries did not follow due process. Although some primaries were held over a week ago, the party has yet to officially announce the results.
Peace Talks in Kano State
Mr. Director, in a statement shared on X, was responding to the crisis affecting the Kano State chapter of the NDC and other parts of the country. The party's vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, won the 2023 presidential election in Kano under the New Nigeria Peoples Party. He is now the running mate to Peter Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election.
Mr. Director emphasized that the clarification came after closed-door peace talks between members of the Kwankwasiya Movement and old party members in Kano State. The Kwankwasiya Movement is a political support group founded by Mr. Kwankwaso.
The national leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, along with other party leadership, participated in the peace talks aimed at resolving issues between the Kwankwasiya Movement and legacy officials in Kano State.
Mediation and Internal Democracy
Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are mediating to enhance inclusion and participation by all party members. The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State or elsewhere, as the party values internal democracy. The meeting, which lasted several hours, was described as productive.
Background of the Primaries
The NDC held its primaries on May 29 in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Over a week later, the party has not announced the results. On Wednesday, the NDC announced that its National Executive Committee had ratified and endorsed the outcome of the nationwide primaries despite not releasing the results. This endorsement came amid allegations of manipulation by some aspirants.
The crisis in the Kano State chapter stems from the non-release of primary results. Some old members petitioned the national leadership, alleging that Mr. Kwankwaso sidelined them, with most tickets going to his Kwankwasiya Movement members. This followed a purported list of candidates circulating on social media. The NDC clarified that no official results or candidate lists have been released and urged Nigerians to disregard such lists.
