The National Democratic Congress has approved the use of direct primaries for the selection of candidates contesting State Assembly seats ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
The decision followed what party leaders described as extensive consultations and deliberations involving the National Working Committee, the Selection Committee and other stakeholders.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said the meeting was attended by National Chairman Moses Cleopas, presidential aspirant Peter Obi and other top officials.
According to the statement, the screening committee led by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu completed the screening of aspirants nationwide after nearly one week of exercise.
“The NDC commends the Screening Committee for its diligence, professionalism, and sacrifice throughout the rigorous screening process, which lasted nearly one week and involved an overwhelming number of aspirants across the country.”
The party explained that all aspirants who obtained Expression of Interest forms would be eligible to participate in the primaries in their constituencies due to time constraints and consultations with party stakeholders.
It added that successful aspirants would proceed to the party’s national secretariat for further documentation, payment of nomination fees and completion of other nomination procedures.
“The party has also constituted and deployed primary election teams made up of senior officials and experienced party administrators to all states of the federation to oversee and conduct the exercise in collaboration with local stakeholders and party leaders.
“In line with party guidelines, primaries for State Assembly positions shall be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level, while affirmations and primaries for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions shall take place at the various local government headquarters.
“Final results from the exercises will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee,” the statement partly read.
The NDC also encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements where necessary to strengthen unity and stability within the party.
In addition, the leadership warned members against violence, intimidation and any conduct capable of disrupting the credibility of the primaries, noting that offenders would face disciplinary action.
The party further disclosed plans to establish an appeal panel to address complaints and disputes arising from the exercise.
While acknowledging that limited time made it difficult to fully introduce its proposed electronic voting and collation system for the primaries, the party assured members that future exercises would be completely digitised.
