NDC urges aspirants to shun violence, malpractices ahead of Friday primaries

Aspirants vying for various elective positions within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra State have been strongly urged to reject violence and electoral malpractices as the party prepares for its primary elections. The directive came during a critical meeting in Awka on Thursday, where party officials briefed aspirants on the guidelines and expectations for the primaries scheduled for Friday, May 29.

Ikem Uzoezie, the State Chairman of the NDC, described the party as "currently the most viable political brand in Nigeria." He implored aspirants to conduct themselves with decorum, emphasizing that the primaries are intended to be a competition of ideas and a demonstration of popularity, not a venue for conflict or disputes. Uzoezie assured all participants of a fair and equitable process, stating, "The primary is a test of popularity by the aspirants and should not be turned into violence. We assure all the aspirants of a level playing field, and we urge them to allow the best candidates to emerge for next year’s general elections in the overall interest of the party."

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The primary is a test of popularity by the aspirants and should not be turned into violence. We assure all the aspirants of a level playing field, and we urge them to allow the best candidates to emerge for next year’s general elections in the overall interest of the party.

Uchenna Okogbue, the Acting Chairman of the electoral panel, reinforced the party's expectation for a peaceful and credible process. He highlighted that with the party's sole presidential candidate, Peter Obi, hailing from Anambra State, the state is under scrutiny to deliver a transparent and orderly primary election. Okogbue stressed that the primaries represent a "call to service and not a 'do or die' affair." While the party may pursue consensus candidates, the Option A4 method will be employed if consensus is not reached. Aspirants were assured of a transparent process conducted at designated locations across all 21 local government areas.

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The primaries are a call to service and not a ‘do or die’ affair. The party will pursue consensus candidacy where possible, but where that fails, Option A4 would be adopted for the election.

Chukwudi Igwe, the Secretary of the electoral panel, further advised aspirants and their supporters to embody the values of the party's presidential candidate. He warned that failing to do so would be a significant disappointment to the nation. Notable figures present at the meeting included Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, members of the House of Representatives like Lilian Orogbu and Uche Okonkwo, State Assembly members, an INEC representative, and other party officials and aspirants.

The upcoming primaries are crucial for selecting the NDC's candidates for the state House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate in the general elections. The party's emphasis on peaceful conduct aims to ensure a strong and unified front moving forward.

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We assured the aspirants that the process would be transparent and conducted at designated venues across all 21 local government areas of the state.