The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has initiated a reconciliation process aimed at addressing concerns and grievances that emerged after its primary elections conducted across the country last weekend.
The decision was reached during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where members resolved to take steps toward uniting aggrieved stakeholders and resolving issues raised over the conduct of the various primaries.
The move follows criticism from some aspirants who participated in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly contests. The aspirants had alleged that the exercises were marred by irregularities, manipulation and the imposition of candidates, claims they said contributed to internal tensions within the party.
Responding to the allegations, the NDC, through a statement signed on Friday by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, dismissed the accusations and defended the integrity of the nationwide primary elections.
The party maintained that claims of widespread irregularities and candidate imposition were unfounded, arguing that such allegations stemmed largely from a misunderstanding of the party’s constitution and operational guidelines, as well as what it described as deliberate efforts by some individuals to diminish the party’s growing political influence.
According to the statement, the NDC adopted a consensus-driven strategy throughout the nomination process, placing emphasis on stakeholder consultations, dialogue and engagement to reduce conflicts and strengthen unity within its ranks.
The party explained that political leaders and caucus representatives in the South-East were specifically assigned the responsibility of coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on the unique political circumstances of their respective states.
It identified Chief Onyema Ugochukwu as the caucus leader for Abia State, former Governor Sam Egwu for Ebonyi State, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu State, and former Governor Achike Udenwa for Imo State. The party added that political activities in Anambra State were coordinated through the structure of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Enekweizu stated that any aspirant dissatisfied with recommendations made by caucus leaders or stakeholders had the opportunity to seek support directly from party members through democratic participation at the grassroots level.
“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 stated.
He further explained that all aspirants were encouraged to interact with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their states, insisting that the process was carried out fairly and without prejudice.
The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy, noting that the party remains committed to increasing female participation in elective positions while continuing to support serving lawmakers seeking re-election.
According to the statement, reports involving aspirants who prematurely declared themselves candidates, alongside complaints arising from the primary process, have been forwarded to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for consideration and resolution.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion and the continued growth of our party,” the statement said.
The party noted that throughout the nomination exercise, aspirants and stakeholders were consistently directed to their respective state caucus leaders whenever issues requiring clarification or conflict resolution arose.
Enekweizu added that the NDC’s responsibility throughout the process was to welcome new entrants into the party, reassure aspirants of its commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and guide them toward established leadership structures for engagement.
He described the approach as evidence of the party’s commitment to consultation, internal democracy and collective advancement.
The NDC further disclosed that since obtaining its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, it has successfully established structures from ward to national levels, convened two NEC meetings and conducted nationwide primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions.
The party also claimed that, based on its current representation in the National Assembly, it has risen to become the second-largest political party in Nigeria.
