The Nigerian Democratic Congress has moved to address growing complaints arising from its nationwide primary elections, as differing accounts emerge over the conduct of the exercise and allegations of candidate selection irregularities.
National Publicity Secretary Osa Directo said the party would not disregard grievances raised by members, insisting that leadership remained committed to fairness and transparency.
He explained that candidates emerged either through consensus arrangements or through direct primaries where agreement was not reached, adding that more than half of the party’s flagbearers were produced through consensus-based processes.
Director acknowledged that disputes had surfaced in parts of the country but maintained that the party intended to handle them openly and in line with internal rules, noting that the organisation is still consolidating its nationwide structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a separate clarification, the party leadership dismissed claims of widespread imposition of candidates, describing the allegations as inaccurate and a misreading of its procedures.
It said the primaries were designed to encourage consultation among stakeholders and strengthen unity rather than impose outcomes from the national secretariat.
According to the party, caucus leaders played a central coordinating role in several zones, particularly in the South-East, where consultations were led by senior political figures across different states.
Aspirants who disagreed with recommendations, it added, were given room to test their support through grassroots contests.
The party also stressed that no candidate was imposed by the national leadership, insisting that all aspirants were channelled through established party structures for engagement with members and stakeholders.
While acknowledging isolated complaints and premature declarations by some aspirants, the party said these issues had been forwarded to its internal appeal mechanism for review.
It further confirmed that the National Executive Committee had approved a wider reconciliation process aimed at resolving disputes and restoring cohesion.
Party officials noted that since its registration in February 2026, the organisation has built structures across all levels, held multiple leadership meetings, and concluded primaries for various elective offices nationwide, describing the process as part of its rapid institutional development.
