The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly denied allegations of imposing candidates on constituencies during its recent primary election, asserting that the party adheres strictly to democratic principles and stakeholder consultation. In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC emphasized that all aspirants who sought party nomination were received, guided, and encouraged to engage directly with state-level caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members. The party maintains that its internal processes are structured to ensure inclusiveness, consensus-building, and transparency in candidate selection.
Director explained that the NDC operates under a well-defined leadership framework that includes designated caucus heads in every state of the federation. These local leaders play a crucial role in overseeing the nomination process, ensuring that aspirants interact meaningfully with party structures at the grassroots level. The party’s leadership believes strongly in participatory democracy and has consistently promoted gender equality in politics, actively supporting female candidates in various electoral races.
The statement further clarified that the NDC National Secretariat has never intervened in the selection of candidates for any constituency or state. “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Director emphasized. This position was reiterated to address growing concerns and misinformation circulating in the media and among political observers.
The party acknowledged that some aspirants have prematurely declared themselves as candidates, while others have raised complaints about the nomination process. Director confirmed that these issues have been formally reported to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for review and resolution. The NDC remains committed to resolving disputes through established internal mechanisms to maintain the integrity of its primaries.
The party’s stance reflects its broader commitment to democratic governance and fair electoral practices. By ensuring that candidates emerge through consultation and consensus rather than top-down imposition, the NDC aims to strengthen public confidence in its nomination process. As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections, the NDC’s emphasis on transparency and inclusiveness positions it as a party dedicated to democratic principles. This approach may influence voter perception and could play a role in shaping the party’s electoral fortunes in the future.
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