The party said it operates on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building through caucus structures established in all states of the federation.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations of candidate imposition following controversies surrounding its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that aspirants were subjected to a democratic process driven by consultations, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots participation.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said its internal processes were guided by established leadership structures across the country and rejected claims that the national leadership handpicked candidates for elective positions.
The party said it operates on the principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building through caucus structures established in all states of the federation.
According to Enekweizu, the South-East geopolitical zone operates under a leadership arrangement associated with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who joined the party with an existing political structure comprising prominent political figures and elder statesmen serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
The party listed the South-East caucus leaders as former NDDC Board Chairman Onyema Ugochukwu for Abia State; former Governor, Minister, and Senator Sam Egwu for Ebonyi State; former Governor and former PDP National Chairman Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu State; and former Governor and Minister Achike Udenwa for Imo State.
The party said Obi’s team coordinated the process in Anambra State.
The party noted that the caucus leaders were entrusted with consulting stakeholders, building consensus, and making recommendations based on the political realities of their states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states,” Enekweizu stated.
The NDC maintained that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations from stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to contest through the grassroots democratic process.
“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. 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,” the party stated.
Rejecting accusations of interference by the national leadership, the party insisted that the National Secretariat never participated in selecting candidates.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” the party added.
According to the party, all aspirants were directed to engage with state caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members, while those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms were instructed to participate in the primaries.
The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy, saying it had encouraged female participation in elective offices and expressed interest in supporting serving legislators seeking re-election.
The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants declaring themselves candidates before the completion of the process and complaints raised by others over aspects of the primaries, but said such grievances had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu stated.
The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and other party officials to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in order to preserve unity and strengthen the party ahead of future political contests.
The party added that throughout the primary election period, the party consistently directed aspirants and stakeholders to their respective state caucus leaders for consultations and dispute resolution, describing the approach as evidence of its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, and respect for established leadership structures.
“This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress within the party,” Enekweizu stated.
Recently, human rights activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, openly confronted NDC leaders, including National Secretary Enekweizu and members of the party’s National Executive Committee, over the handling of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial ticket.
The heated exchange reportedly followed the party’s decision not to grant Yesufu the FCT senatorial ticket, with party officials allegedly citing her late entry into the NDC as a major factor.
In a viral video seen by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, an angry Yesufu accused the party leadership of failing to honour commitments allegedly made regarding the selection process.
She specifically criticised the National Secretary, saying he should not have publicly made promises he could not fulfil.
“The National Secretary did not have what it took to vote for every local government, then he shouldn’t have put out a statement to the world that he was going to do that,” Yesufu said.
“If we do something, we must stand by our word. It is official, it is outside, it is on our official channels.”
The activist, known for her outspoken role in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and democratic advocacy, expressed frustration over what she described as unfair treatment within the party.
According to her, despite enduring public attacks and criticism, she remained committed to the party and was prepared to accept defeat if the process had been transparent and credible.
“I’m not even asking for a level playing ground. I’m asking for the ground,” she said.
“I was told repeatedly that I can’t relate to this party. Who does that? My name has been dragged all over the place.
“At the end of all those times, I said I’m ready. If I lost, I lost. Clearly, I’m ready to call people and say I lost.”
