The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo State has called for calm amid a peaceful protest by party members over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the party’s primaries for the 2027 general elections. The primaries, held nationwide on Friday, aimed to select candidates for presidential, National Assembly, and House of Assembly positions. Despite the unrest, party leadership insists the process will proceed smoothly and be completed before midnight. The protest, which erupted just as the primaries were set to begin, centered on claims of poor coordination and lack of transparency by the National Working Committee.
The Chairman of the NDC primaries in Edo State, Mr. Fred Owotorufa, addressed reporters in Benin, urging all aspirants and their supporters to proceed to their designated wards and local government areas. He emphasized that the party remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent process. According to Owotorufa, results from the wards will be transmitted to local government offices, then to constituency offices, and finally collated at the state headquarters in Benin. He stressed that the entire exercise must be concluded before 12 midnight, describing it as a “selfless sacrifice” for the party and the nation.
Owotorufa also reiterated that the NDC does not endorse any particular aspirant, stating that the party has provided a level playing field for all candidates. This assurance was meant to reassure members and prevent further disruptions. However, some party members remain skeptical. Mr. Cletus Omoruyi, one of the aggrieved members, expressed frustration, saying they were called to assemble early only to be told to return to their wards without clear instructions. “How is it possible? Look at the time. They are not being transparent enough; hence the protest,” he said.
Another protester, Ms. Monica Enabulele, voiced her disappointment, saying she expected the committee to be more proactive and organized. “We are not sure that we will get what we expected from this process,” she added. Mr. David Omokugbo, a senior party chieftain, demanded that the committee explain why they kept members waiting for so long before issuing directives on the direct primaries. His call for accountability reflects growing concerns among grassroots members about the party’s internal processes.
Despite the tensions, the NDC leadership remains focused on completing the primaries on schedule. The outcome of these primaries will shape the party’s electoral strategy for 2027, making transparency and credibility crucial for maintaining member trust. As the party moves forward, the need for clear communication and inclusive processes will be key to its long-term success.
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