Imposition of candidates: NDC states position 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that the process was driven by consultations, consensus-building and grassroots participation rather than the imposition of candidates by the party leadership.

In a statement issued on Friday, the party said its leadership structure is built on stakeholder engagement, with caucus heads in all states of the federation playing key roles in consultations and decision-making.

According to the party, the South-East zone operates under an established leadership framework comprising prominent political figures who serve as caucus heads in their respective states. The leaders include former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, for Abia State; former Governor, Minister and Senator, Dr. Sam Egwu, for Ebonyi State; former Governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, for Enugu State; and former Governor and Minister, Chief Achike Udenwa, for Imo State. The party said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, coordinates the process in Anambra State through his team.

The NDC explained that the caucus leaders were mandated to consult stakeholders, build consensus and make recommendations based on the political realities in their states. It added that recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders were also involved in the process.

The party stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were allowed to test their popularity through the primaries, which it said were conducted at the grassroots level.

It maintained that the National Secretariat was not involved in selecting or imposing candidates, noting that all aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and party members in their respective states.

The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy, which seeks to encourage female participation in elective offices, while also expressing support for serving lawmakers seeking re-election.

The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates and complaints about aspects of the process. It said such issues were referred to the appeal panel and party leadership for resolution.

Following resolutions reached at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party announced plans to begin a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity and cohesion among members.

The NDC called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and other party leaders to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of strengthening the party ahead of future political contests.

The party added that throughout the primary process, aspirants and stakeholders were consistently referred to their respective state caucus leaders for guidance, while grievances were expected to be channelled through the caucus structure for resolution.