The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of candidate imposition during its recent primary elections, insisting that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to contest and that the party’s national leadership did not handpick candidates.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC said its candidate selection process was based on consultation, consensus-building and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
The party said claims that the National Secretariat imposed candidates on constituencies or states were unfounded.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Mr Enekweizu said.
According to the statement, aspirants seeking elective positions were encouraged to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities.
The NDC said its approach was particularly evident in the South-East, where its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, works alongside a network of senior political figures and former governors serving as caucus leaders across the region.
The party named former governors Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo and Achike Udenwa among leaders tasked with conducting consultations and helping to build consensus around aspirants.
“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 NDC maintained that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations from stakeholders were not excluded from the process and were allowed to seek support through grassroots primaries.
“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.
Responding to concerns raised after the primaries, the party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates and complaints over aspects of the exercise.
However, it said such matters had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for review and resolution.
The NDC also highlighted efforts to promote women’s participation in politics through affirmative action measures while balancing the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the party announced plans to begin a reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions that may have emerged during the primaries and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of future elections.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Mr 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 NDC said its role throughout the nomination exercise was to guarantee fairness, transparency and inclusiveness while directing aspirants through recognised party structures, describing the process as evidence of its commitment to internal democracy.
