The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has commenced a reconciliation process aimed at resolving grievances arising from its recently concluded primary elections across the country.
The move follows complaints by some aspirants who alleged that the party’s presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly primaries were marred by irregularities and candidate imposition.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC dismissed the allegations, insisting that the primaries were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
According to the party, the criticisms were largely fuelled by misunderstanding of its internal processes and deliberate attempts to undermine what it described as the growing popularity of the NDC.
The party explained that it adopted a consensus-building approach designed to reduce conflicts and strengthen internal unity, particularly in the South-East, where caucus leaders and stakeholders were empowered to coordinate consultations and make recommendations based on political realities within their states.
Among the South-East caucus leaders named by the party were Onyema Ugochukwu for Abia State, Sam Egwu for Ebonyi, Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu, and Achike Udenwa for Imo State.
The party added that the political structure of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, coordinated activities in Anambra State.
Enekweizu maintained that aspirants dissatisfied with recommendations made by caucus leaders were free to test their popularity through grassroots primaries.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” he said.
The NDC stated that all aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and party members within their states throughout the process.
The party also acknowledged reports of disputes and premature declarations of victory by some aspirants, noting that such complaints had been referred to its appeal panel and party leadership for resolution.
According to the statement, the reconciliation process was approved during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and state chairmen tasked with engaging aggrieved members in the interest of party unity.
The NDC further highlighted what it described as its rapid growth since receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, noting that within 90 days, it had established structures nationwide, held two NEC meetings, and conducted presidential and legislative primaries across the country.
The party also claimed it has emerged as the second-largest political party in Nigeria based on its representation in the National Assembly.
