NDC adopts direct primaries for State Assembly elections

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided to use direct primaries for its State Assembly elections, adopting a report from its screening committee. This move follows extensive discussions among the party's National Working Committee, Selection Committee, and other key figures.

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The NDC commends the Screening Committee for its diligence, professionalism, and sacrifice throughout the rigorous screening process, which lasted nearly one week and involved an overwhelming number of aspirants across the country.

According to a statement from National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, the screening committee, chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, completed its work after nearly a week of reviewing aspirants nationwide. The party commended the committee for its diligence and professionalism.

All aspirants who bought Expression of Interest forms will be eligible to vote in the primaries within their constituencies. The NDC cited limited time and stakeholder consultations as reasons for this approach. Successful candidates will then proceed to the national secretariat to finalize their nominations.

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The party has also constituted and deployed primary election teams made up of senior officials and experienced party administrators to all states of the federation to oversee and conduct the exercise in collaboration with local stakeholders and party leaders.

The party has established primary election teams composed of senior officials and administrators to manage the process in all states, working alongside local stakeholders. While State Assembly primaries will be direct and held at the constituency level, affirmations and primaries for higher positions like the House of Representatives and Senate will occur at local government headquarters.

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In line with party guidelines, primaries for State Assembly positions shall be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level, while affirmations and primaries for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions shall take place at the various local government headquarters.

Final results will be announced at the national secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee. The NDC also encouraged consensus where possible to promote party unity and warned against violence and intimidation, vowing disciplinary action for any disruptions. An appeal panel will be formed to address grievances. Due to time constraints, the party cannot implement its proposed electronic voting system for these primaries.

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Final results from the exercises will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee.