NDC talks about handling primaries dispute and Peter Obi's role in South-east

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it deals with disputes from its recent primaries using a set leadership structure.

Ikenna Enekweizu, the National Secretary of the NDC, shared this in a statement on Thursday night.

The NDC held its primaries on 29 May ahead of the 2027 elections, but has not yet released results. There are claims of manipulation by some aspirants.

Enekweizu explained that the party’s leadership structure includes what he called “caucus heads” in every state.

“These leaders are responsible for stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations based on the political situations in their states.

“Each state also has recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders who take part in consultations and provide recommendations on party matters,” he said.

Enekweizu stressed that resolving disputes from the NDC primaries respects the rights of all aspirants.

“If aspirants disagreed with suggestions from stakeholders or caucus leaders, they could test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was accepted,” he stated.

He emphasized that the NDC National Secretariat did not choose or impose candidates on any state or constituency.

“Every aspirant who approached the party was welcomed, attended to, and directed to engage with the right caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their states,” he said.

Issues with Results Declaration

Enekweizu mentioned that the NDC has shown commitment to encouraging women to participate in elections and ensuring that serving members of parliament are protected.

“Besides these, all aspirants were referred to their state caucus leaders, and those who bought Expression of Interest Forms were asked to join the primaries,” he said.

The national secretary also noted that some aspirants announced themselves as candidates too early, among other issues during the primaries.

“These matters have been reported to the appeal panel and the party leadership and have been handled,” he said.

Enekweizu added that the NDC decided on Wednesday at the National Executive Council meeting to start a reconciliation process.

“We rely on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members for unity, cohesion, and the growth of our party,” he stated.

Peter Obi’s Role in the South-east

Enekweizu also talked about the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his role in the South-east.

He said Obi joined the NDC with a strong leadership structure.

This structure includes “respected elder statesmen and political leaders” who serve as caucus heads in their states.

He listed the caucus leaders in the region, saying Ugochukwu Onyema, a former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, heads the NDC caucus in Abia State.

Sam Egwu, a former governor of Ebonyi State, leads the party’s caucus in that state.

Achike Udenwa, a former governor of Imo State, is in charge of the NDC’s caucus there, while Okwesilieze Nwodo, a former governor of Old Enugu, heads the caucus in his state.

Nwodo is a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and has served as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural group.

Enekweizu added that Obi’s team coordinates the caucus leadership in Anambra State, where he was governor from 2006 to 2014.