NDC defends party primaries, denies imposing candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly denied allegations of irregularities and the imposition of candidates during its recent presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state Houses of Assembly primaries. The party asserts that such criticisms are unfounded and arise from either ignorance of its constitution and guidelines or deliberate efforts to discredit its growing political standing.

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The NDC, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building.

Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC National Secretary, issued a statement in Abuja defending the party's electoral processes. He argued that the NDC should instead be lauded for its commitment to a consensus-driven approach, which he believes effectively minimizes disputes and fosters unity among its members. "The NDC, the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, is founded on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building," Enekweizu stated.

Enekweizu pointed to the South-East geopolitical zone as a prime example of the party's successful consensus-building strategy. He noted that the region's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with a pre-existing leadership structure composed of respected elder statesmen and political figures who act as caucus heads in their respective states. These leaders include former Chairman of the NDDC Board, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia); ex-Ebonyi State Governor, Dr Sam Egwu; former PDP National Chairman, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; and former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, among others coordinating processes in Anambra.

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In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, came into the party with an established leadership structure comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.

According to Enekweizu, these caucus leaders were tasked with conducting consultations and building consensus, making recommendations based on local political realities. He emphasized that any aspirant who disagreed with these recommendations was afforded the democratic opportunity to test their popularity through the grassroots process. "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 asserted, adding that all aspirants were directed to engage with the appropriate party stakeholders.

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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.

Furthermore, Enekweizu mentioned the party's affirmative action policy, which he said encourages greater participation of women in elective offices and aims to support serving lawmakers. The NDC maintains that its primary elections were conducted fairly, adhering to its established guidelines and prioritizing internal harmony and democratic principles.

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At no time has the NDC national secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.