Many members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) involved in the party’s ongoing ratification and screening exercise have reportedly remained stranded in Abuja due to transportation and logistical challenges arising from the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, forcing the party to shift its nationwide primaries to Friday, May 29, 2026.
The party, in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barrister. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu explained that the adjustment became necessary following the non-availability of flights and movement difficulties affecting aspirants and members of the screening committee.
According to the statement, May 28 will now be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations ahead of the primaries.
“The teams will use May 28 to also hold meetings with stakeholders, party elders, as well as aspirants in their respective states,” the statement read.
The NDC warned that no state agencies, including the Police, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Services (DSS), and others, should participate in any activities outside the approved programmes for May 28, stressing that any contrary action would be considered unauthorized and illegal.
The party outlined the order of the May 29 primaries as follows:
- Presidential affirmation
- National Assembly primaries/affirmation
- State Assembly primaries/affirmation
- Governorship primaries/affirmation
It added that all results from the states would be collated and forwarded to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee (NWC) would officially announce the outcomes.
The party also emphasized that no state executive or local team had the authority to independently declare results.
Meanwhile, the NDC Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area chapter confirmed that its local primaries earlier scheduled for Thursday, May 28, have also been shifted to Friday, May 29.
In a notice signed by the Acting Secretary of the chapter, Hon. Jose Maria Ameh, and approved by the LGA Chairman, Hon. Clifford Agugoesi, the chapter stated that the State Assembly primaries would hold simultaneously from 9:00 a.m. at designated venues in Festac Town and Satellite Town, Lagos.
The chapter further disclosed that armed security personnel would be deployed to ensure adequate security throughout the exercise.
The NDC appealed to members and aspirants to remain calm and conduct themselves peacefully, reiterating the party’s zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism during the primaries.
