The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primaries, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party said aspirants were encouraged to engage with state caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in line with its established consultation and leadership structure.
The NDC described itself as a party founded on “leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building”, adding that it operates through a well-defined stakeholder framework across the country.
According to the party, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an existing leadership structure in the South-East made up of elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
The party identified the caucus leaders as Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia, Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu and Achike Udenwa in Imo.
It explained that these leaders were assigned the responsibility of consulting stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on political realities in their states.
“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the statement read.
The NDC maintained that its national secretariat had no role in selecting candidates for constituencies or states.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.”
The party added that every aspirant who approached its national secretariat was directed to the appropriate caucus leaders and stakeholders within their states.
The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy, saying it encouraged women to contest elective positions and, in some cases, supported serving lawmakers.
The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants declaring themselves candidates before the completion of the process, as well as complaints from others regarding aspects of the primaries.
However, it said such issues had been referred to the appeal panel and party leadership for appropriate resolution.
“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement added.
The NDC further announced plans to begin a reconciliation process following resolutions reached at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
It called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party officials to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of unity and party growth.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.