The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that only aspirants who emerge successful in its forthcoming primaries will be required to proceed with nomination payments and final documentation.
The clarification was made by the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, following a joint meeting involving the National Working Committee (NWC), screening and selection committees, and other key stakeholders.
According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the meeting—which included the party’s national chairman, Cleopas Moses, and presidential aspirant Peter Obi—reviewed preparations for the primaries and agreed on a streamlined process due to time constraints.
Dickson explained that all individuals who purchased Expression of Interest forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their respective constituencies. However, only those who emerge successful will be invited to the party secretariat for documentation and payment of nomination fees.
He added that state-level primary teams had already been deployed across the country to oversee the exercise, with support from stakeholders and local leaders, urging them to conduct a fair and transparent process.
“The teams should remain open, fair, and focused on candidates with the capacity to win elections,” he said, stressing that the party remains inclusive and youth- and women-friendly.
The primaries have been scheduled to hold on May 28 and 29, while aspirants are expected to use their Expression of Interest forms to gain entry into the exercise.
Dickson also disclosed that an appeal panel has been set up to handle complaints that may arise during the process.
He further explained that direct primaries for state assembly seats will be conducted at constituency level, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations will take place at local government headquarters.
The Bayelsa West lawmaker also urged aspirants and their supporters to avoid violence, warning that the party would not tolerate intimidation or disorderly conduct.
In addition, Dickson acknowledged that the planned electronic voting system could not be fully implemented due to time limitations, noting that the party intends to adopt full electronic primaries in future elections.
“This will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually,” he added.