NDC ratifies Obi as presidential candidate today
The Nigeria Democratic Congress is poised to confirm former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate today (Friday) during the party’s nationwide primaries, following his designation as the sole aspirant for the ticket.
Additionally, the party announced that candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and state Houses of Assembly would also be selected across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, despite logistical challenges posed by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, made this announcement in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, noting that transportation issues and flight unavailability had postponed some preparatory activities after the screening process in the FCT.
As per the statement, May 28 (Thursday) was designated for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory tasks leading up to the primaries.
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The national chairman indicated that party teams sent to the states were also anticipated to utilize the day for discussions with stakeholders, elders, and aspirants.
Cleopas, however, cautioned that no state institution or security agency, including the police, Department of State Service, and INEC, is expected to engage in any of the May 28 activities.
It was emphasized that any actions taken outside the sanctioned guidelines would be deemed illegal and unauthorized.
He stated, “The primaries are still scheduled to occur nationwide on May 29, 2026, in accordance with the original timetable of May 28 and 29.
“However, in view of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the resulting public holidays, major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights.
“Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja.”
Cleopas outlined the sequence for the May 29 exercises as presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries or affirmations, state Assembly primaries or affirmations, and governorship primaries or affirmations.
The party further directed that all results from the states must be collated and transmitted to the party’s national headquarters for announcement by the National Working Committee.
“The respective teams will collate and process all results and forward them to the national headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results.
“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement added
The NDC chair also appealed to members and aspirants to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise, stressing that the party would not tolerate violence, disorderly conduct or hooliganism during the primaries.
