NDC unveils 20-member panel for governorship, N’Assembly primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has constituted a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and selection of aspirants seeking the party’s governorship and National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2026 elections.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu.

Enekweizu said the committee was approved by the National Leader of the party following recommendations by the National Working Committee as part of preparations for the forthcoming primaries.

He stated, “The committee is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants.

“This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.”

The NDC named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

Other members are Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Dr Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas J. Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Dr Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.

The party stated that only aspirants who successfully pass through the screening process and obtain clearance from the National Selection Committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.

Enekweizu added that the arrangement was designed to encourage consensus-building among aspirants and strengthen unity within the party.

According to him, where consensus arrangements fail, direct primaries would be conducted between May 28 and May 30 in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.

The statement added, “This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.”