NDC denies imposition, says aspirants were advised to consult caucus leaders

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primaries, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership.

In a statement on Thursday by Ikenna Enekweizu, NDC national secretary, the party said aspirants were directed to engage with state caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in line with its leadership and consultation structure.

The NDC described itself as a party built on “leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building”, adding that it operates through an established stakeholder framework across the federation.

The party said in the south-east, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, came into the party with an existing leadership structure comprising elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
According to the statement, the caucus leaders include Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia, Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu, and Achike Udenwa in Imo.

The party said the leaders were mandated to consult stakeholders, build consensus and make recommendations based on political realities in their states.

“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the statement reads.
The NDC said the national secretariat was never involved in selecting candidates for constituencies or states.

“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 party added that every aspirant who approached it was received and referred to the appropriate caucus leaders and stakeholders in their states.

The NDC said it also implemented its affirmative action policy by encouraging female participation in elective offices and supporting serving lawmakers in some cases.

The party acknowledged reports of aspirants declaring themselves candidates before the conclusion of the process, as well as complaints from some contestants.

It, however, said such issues had been referred to the appeal panel and party leadership for resolution.

“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement added.

The party said it would now begin a reconciliation process following a resolution reached at its NEC meeting.

It called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party officials to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of unity and party growth.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.