The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries will proceed nationwide on May 29, 2026, as originally scheduled. In a statement jointly issued by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party acknowledged that the Eid-el-Kabir holidays caused transportation and logistical challenges, including limited flight availability.
According to the statement, several aspirants who traveled to Abuja for screening exercises, along with members of the screening committee, were unable to leave the Federal Capital Territory due to the disruptions. To address this, the party announced that May 28 will be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with electoral and security authorities, consultative engagements, and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries on May 29.
The party added that its teams will also use the day to meet with stakeholders, elders, and aspirants across the states. It emphasized that no government agency, including the Police, INEC, or DSS, is expected to participate in any meetings or activities scheduled for May 28. Any actions outside the approved guidelines will be considered unauthorized.
Sequence of Primaries
The NDC outlined the sequence for the May 29 primaries as follows:
- Presidential affirmation
- National Assembly primaries/affirmation
- State Assembly primaries/affirmation
- Governorship primaries/affirmation
The statement noted that all results from the exercise will be collated and transmitted to the party’s National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will officially announce the outcomes. The party warned that no state executive or committee has the authority to declare results independently.
Call for Peace and Order
The Nigeria Democratic Congress urged members and aspirants to maintain peace and order during the exercise, reiterating its zero tolerance for violence, hooliganism, and disorderly conduct.
