The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that it imposed candidates on constituencies during its recently concluded primary elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the National Democratic Congress National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said all aspirants who engaged the party were duly received, attended to, and advised to consult with relevant caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states.
He explained that the party operates through a structured stakeholder system, with caucus leadership in all states of the federation.
According to him, the National Democratic Congress is guided by principles of consultation, inclusiveness, leadership engagement, and consensus-building in its internal processes. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in elective positions, noting that progress has already been made in some cases.
The statement firmly denied any involvement by the party’s national secretariat in selecting or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” the statement said.
The party also acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as complaints from others about aspects of the process. It said these concerns had been referred to the appeal panel and party leadership, where they have been addressed.
