Presidential primary election: NDC announces date for commencement

The National Democratic Congress, NDC, has announced that its primary elections will commence on May 28, 2026, as the party moves to align with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The NDC acknowledged that it had to drop its planned electronic voting system for the primaries due to time constraints.

The founder and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday.

Dickson noted that the decision followed “many hours of discussions involving the National Chairman, presidential candidate Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee.”

The statement read: “After a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and considering the time limitations, we decided that everyone who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would participate in the primaries in their respective constituencies.”

The party clarified that only successful candidates would later proceed to the secretariat to complete documentation, pay nomination fees, and fulfill other necessary requirements.

The party also announced that teams made up of senior officials had been deployed to various states to supervise the primaries, with support from local leaders and stakeholders.

“Our party supports women and young people, and we encourage the teams to focus on candidates who have the capacity to win elections,” the statement said.

The NDC warned against violence during the primaries, stating that sanctions would be imposed on any candidate or supporter involved in intimidation or disruptive conduct.

“We urge peaceful primary elections and emphasize that we have zero tolerance for any form of violence.

“The party will act firmly against anyone who engages in violence, threats, intimidation, or disruptive behaviour,” it added.

The party directed candidates to proceed with the primaries on May 28 and 29 using only their Expression of Interest Forms because of the “tight timelines” facing the party.

Dickson explained that direct primaries would be conducted for State Assembly elections at the constituency level.

“The Selection Committee and the NEC will announce the final results at the party’s National Secretariat.

“We strongly encourage consensus arrangements where necessary,” the statement added.