By Ayomide Otitoju
In a statement on Thursday by its National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu, the party said all aspirants were given equal opportunity to participate in what it described as a transparent and consultative process.
The NDC maintained that its National Secretariat was not involved in selecting or imposing candidates, stressing that nominations were driven by consultation, consensus-building, and engagement with stakeholders at various levels.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu said.
According to the party, aspirants were directed to engage caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political dynamics.
The party noted that in the South-East, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, worked with a network of political leaders and elder statesmen serving as caucus heads, including former governors Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others.
It explained that these leaders conducted consultations, built consensus, and made recommendations to guide the nomination process, while also allowing aspirants who disagreed with recommendations to contest through grassroots primaries.
The NDC said complaints arising from the primaries, including self-declarations by some aspirants, had been referred to its appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
It also highlighted efforts to promote gender inclusion and greater female participation in elective positions, alongside consideration for serving lawmakers.
The party announced plans to begin a reconciliation process aimed at addressing grievances and strengthening unity following the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.
The NDC reiterated that its nomination process was anchored on internal democracy, consultation, and inclusiveness, in line with its commitment to strengthening party structures ahead of future elections.
