NDC shifts primaries to May 29
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries will now hold nationwide on May 29, 2026. In a joint statement issued late Wednesday night by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party said the new date remains […]
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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries will now hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.
In a joint statement issued late Wednesday night by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party said the new date remains within the original May 28–29 timetable earlier approved for the exercise.
The party explained that the adjustment became necessary due to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the accompanying public holidays, which have resulted in transportation and logistical difficulties across the country.
According to the statement, many aspirants who travelled to Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening committees, are currently stranded in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja.
“The party has decided that May 28 should be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations, while the actual primaries will now hold on May 29,” the statement read.
The party added that state teams would also use May 28 to meet with stakeholders, party elders, and aspirants in their respective states ahead of the primaries.
It further stressed that no state institutions or security agencies, including the Police, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), are expected to play any role in the activities scheduled for May 28.
“No agencies of the state, viz: Police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programmes and meetings of May 28. Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal,” the statement added.
The party explained that the presidential primary would be conducted through affirmation, while the National Assembly, state assembly, and governorship primaries would involve both affirmation and delegate voting processes where applicable.
It also stated that all results from the various states would be collated and processed by designated teams before being forwarded to the party’s national headquarters, where the National Working Committee (NWC) would officially announce the outcomes.
The statement warned that no state executive committee or electoral team has the authority to independently declare results.