Uche Amunike
Lifeandtimes News Writer
NDC Shifts Preparatory Activities
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced adjustments to some of its preparatory activities ahead of its nationwide primaries, while confirming that the main exercises will still hold on May 29, 2026, across the country.
The party made this known in an official statement released by its National Chairman, Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, following transportation and logistical difficulties caused by the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the accompanying public holidays.
According to the statement, although the original timetable remains unchanged, the party decided to modify activities scheduled for May 28 to reduce pressure on participants and ensure a smoother coordination process nationwide. The development means that May 28 will now be largely dedicated to consultations, documentation and stakeholder meetings before the actual primaries begin the following day.
The announcement comes after several aspirants, screening officials and party stakeholders reportedly became stranded in Abuja due to flight cancellations and transportation challenges linked to the festive period.
While addressing the situation, the party explained that the disruptions made it necessary to reorganise some activities without affecting the date fixed for the primaries.
The statement partly read: ‘The timetable remains intact for May 28 and 29. However, because of the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and transportation challenges across the country, many aspirants and officials involved in the screening exercise are currently unable to leave Abuja.’
As part of the new arrangement, the NDC shifts preparatory activities on May 28 to include documentation processes with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), consultations with security agencies and meetings with party leaders and aspirants in different states.
Party officials also stated that the day would provide an opportunity for reconciliation talks and strategic engagements ahead of the primaries.
‘The teams will use May 28 to engage stakeholders, elders of the party and aspirants in their various states in preparation for the primaries,’ the statement added.
The party further stressed that activities lined up for May 28 remain strictly internal and warned against interference from external bodies or security agencies.
According to the statement, agencies such as the Police, DSS and INEC are not expected to interfere in the meetings and consultations scheduled for that day. The party maintained that any action outside the approved guidelines would be regarded as illegal and unauthorised.
Meanwhile, the NDC confirmed that the May 29 primaries would proceed in phases nationwide. The process will begin with the presidential affirmation exercise before moving to National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly contests and governorship primaries.
The party leadership also clarified that all results from the states would be collated and transmitted directly to the national headquarters, where the National Working Committee would officially announce the outcomes.
It warned state executives and local coordinators against independently declaring results, insisting that only the national leadership has the authority to make official announcements.
The NDC also appealed to aspirants and supporters to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise.
The party reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible process, while warning that violence, disorderly conduct and acts capable of disrupting the primaries would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
With the latest development, the NDC shifts preparatory activities but remains firm on its decision to conduct the nationwide primaries on May 29 as earlier scheduled.
