The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that its primary elections will begin on May 28, 2026, in alignment with the schedule set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking a key step in its preparations for the upcoming general elections. The party announced that it would abandon its previously planned electronic voting system for the primaries due to tight timelines, opting instead for a manual process based on Expression of Interest (EOI) forms. This decision was made after extensive discussions involving top party leaders, including National Chairman, presidential candidate Peter Obi, and members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee.
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, founder and National Leader of the NDC, disclosed the update in a statement issued on Wednesday. He emphasized that the decision was reached following a joint briefing by the Selection Committee and Screening Committee, where time constraints were cited as the primary factor. The party stated that all individuals who had purchased the EOI forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries within their respective constituencies, ensuring broad inclusivity and fairness in the process.
Candidates will not be required to complete all formal documentation or pay nomination fees until after the primaries. Only successful candidates from the primary elections will proceed to the party’s National Secretariat to finalize their paperwork and meet additional requirements. To ensure transparency and order, the NDC has deployed teams of senior officials to various states to supervise the primaries, with support from local party leaders and stakeholders.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and youth participation, urging supervisory teams to prioritize candidates with the capacity to win elections. The NDC also issued a stern warning against violence, intimidation, or any form of disruptive conduct during the primaries. It declared zero tolerance for such actions and pledged firm sanctions against any candidate or supporter involved in misconduct.
The primaries for State Assembly elections will be conducted through direct voting at the constituency level, with results to be announced by the Selection Committee and National Executive Committee (NEC) at the party’s National Secretariat. The NDC encouraged consensus arrangements where possible to promote unity and avoid unnecessary conflicts. With the primary elections set to begin on May 28 and 29, the party is now focused on ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive process as it prepares for the broader electoral season ahead.
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