The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided that every aspirant who purchased an Expression of Interest form will be permitted to participate in the party’s upcoming primaries, according to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader and Senator for Bayelsa West.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Dickson detailed the outcome of extensive deliberations that lasted into the early hours of the morning, involving the party’s National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee.
The meeting received the report of the Screening Committee, chaired by former governor Sam Egwu.
Dickson thanked the committee for its painstaking work over nearly a week, noting that the number of aspirants far exceeded expectations. He also expressed gratitude to all aspirants and donors for their confidence in the party.
In light of time constraints, the joint meeting of the Selection and Screening Committees decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest forms would be allowed to contest the primaries in their respective constituencies.
Only successful candidates will later report to the party secretariat for documentation and payment for nomination forms.
The party has selected and deployed teams of senior officials to every state to conduct the primaries, supported by stakeholders and local leaders.
Dickson urged the teams to prioritise aspirants with the capacity to win elections, to remain open and fair, and to liaise with stakeholders.
Reiterating the party’s zero-tolerance policy on violence, Dickson warned that the NDC would take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct during the process.
The primaries will proceed on 29th May 2026, with aspirants using their Expression of Interest forms to participate. The party will also inaugurate an Appeal Panel to address complaints.
In line with party guidelines, direct primaries will be conducted at the constituency level for State Assembly positions. For the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations, exercises will take place at various Local Government headquarters.
Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee. Dickson strongly recommended consensus where possible.
Dickson acknowledged that due to limited time, the party could not fully implement the electronic system originally designed for the primaries.
He described this as the last manual primary election in the NDC, promising that future exercises would be electronic to minimise complaints and challenges.
“We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us. Our intentions are sincere,” he wrote.
He urged the teams to collaborate with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible and transparent process.
“Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us,” Dickson stressed
