The NDC confirmed a primary election for May 29, citing logistical disruptions to Eid

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated that the national primaries for the offices of president, governor, National Assembly and State Assembly will go ahead on Friday, May 29, despite logistical disruptions caused by the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

In a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party explained that the original schedule of May 28 and 29 remains in effect, but adjustments are necessary due to transportation difficulties and flight disruptions across the country.

According to the party, many candidates and members of the screening committee who traveled to Abuja for the screening exercise were unable to return to their respective states due to the national holiday and limited flight operations.

“The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified the schedule for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly primaries. The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, as per the original schedule of May 28 and 29,” the statement read.

“However, in view of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations and the resulting national holiday, major challenges in transportation and logistics have emerged, including the unavailability of flights. As a result, many candidates who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja.”

The party explained that May 28 will now be reserved for consultations, stakeholder meetings, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, as well as preparations ahead of the primaries.

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“Consequently, the party has decided that May 28 should be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations, while the actual primaries will be held on May 29,” the statement added.

“The team will use May 28 to also hold meetings with stakeholders and party leaders, as well as candidates in their respective states.”

The NDC also warned that no external body or agency has the authority to intervene in the party’s internal activities scheduled for May 28.

“No state agency, for example police, INEC, DSS, etc., should play any role in the programs and meetings of May 28. Any activity carried out outside these guidelines is invalid and considered illegal,” the statement stressed.

The party outlined the order in which elections will be held on May 29, starting with the presidential inauguration, followed by the National Assembly, State Assembly and gubernatorial primaries.

“The process for the primary election on May 29 is as follows: confirmation of the President, primary election/confirmation of the National Assembly, primary election/confirmation of the State Assembly, and primary election/confirmation of the Governor,” he said.

The leadership further clarified that only the National Working Committee (NWC) has the authority to officially announce the results of the exercise after state-wide scrutiny.

“Each team will compile and process all the results and forward them to National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results.

“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results.”

The party also appealed to candidates, delegates and supporters to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disrupt the exercise.

“We call for understanding and urge all participants to act responsibly, as the party does not tolerate violence, disorderly behavior and hooliganism.”

Meanwhile, the NDC has released the names of members of its election committee to conduct the primaries in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Among those appointed are Osita Ogbu for Anambra State, Osusu Osusu for Rivers State, Barnabas Ejisi for FCT, Peter Onigah for Ebonyi State, Sidi Abdul Bomi for Lagos State, Kebiru Umoru for Delta State, and Fredrick Owotorufa for Edo State.

Others appointed by the party include Babatunde Ali for Imo State, Clement Agiangie for Akwa Ibom State, Okey Ezeala for Nasarawa State, Williams Lappi for Adamawa State and Mainasara Sani Abubakar for Kano State.

According to the party leadership, the composition of the committee shows the NDC’s commitment to credible, transparent and peaceful primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.