Nigerian primaries to hold May 29 despite Eid holidays

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has affirmed that its presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries will proceed nationwide on May 29. This decision comes despite the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir holidays, which have caused significant logistical disruptions.

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The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in keeping with the original May 28 and 29 timetable.

Senator Moses Cleopas, the NDC National Chairman, explained in a statement that the festive period led to transportation and flight unavailability. This left many aspirants and screening committee members stranded in Abuja after the initial screening. To manage these challenges, May 28 will now be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with electoral and security bodies, and stakeholder engagements.

Cleopas emphasized that no state institution or security agency is expected to participate in the May 28 activities. He warned that any actions outside the approved guidelines would be deemed illegal. The sequence for the May 29 primaries includes presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries, state assembly primaries, and governorship primaries. All results must be sent to the party's national headquarters for announcement by the National Working Committee, with state executives forbidden from announcing any outcomes.

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Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja.

The NDC chair also urged members and aspirants to maintain peace and order, stating that the party will not tolerate violence or hooliganism during the primaries.

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No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results.