Uncertainty has continued to surround the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party’s failure to officially announce the results of its nationwide primary elections held on May 28 and 29 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The delay has fueled speculation among party members, aspirants, and political observers, with concerns growing over transparency and internal democracy within the fast-rising political party.
The NDC had earlier dismissed several results circulating on social media, insisting that only its National Executive Council (NEC) has the authority to release the official outcome of the primaries.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC urged members of the public to disregard unofficial results while assuring stakeholders that the final list of candidates would be released after ratification and before submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the assurance, many aspirants remain anxious as they await the party’s official position.
One aspirant, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that he has remained in Abuja since the conclusion of the primaries, alongside several others seeking firsthand information on developments within the party.
Political analysts have also questioned the prolonged delay, warning that it could damage the party’s credibility as it prepares for its first major electoral contest since expanding across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Awka Assembly Aspirant Demands Respect for Primary Outcome
An aspirant for the Awka South Constituency II seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chinedu Raymond Obue, has called on the party leadership to uphold what he described as a clear victory in the primary election.
Obue claimed that the exercise, held at Umuzocha Hall in Awka, was conducted fairly and transparently, with results showing that he secured 625 votes against 73 votes polled by his rival, Sam Chuks Okpanduka.
He warned that any attempt to alter the outcome could undermine confidence in the party and betray the wishes of party members who participated in the exercise.
Party Official Alleges Manipulation
Meanwhile, an aggrieved NDC official in the South-East accused the party leadership of attempting to overturn results in favour of influential politicians who allegedly lost during the primaries.
The official criticised the establishment of a “selection committee” after the conduct of the primaries, describing the move as undemocratic and inconsistent with established political procedures.
According to him, introducing a selection process after candidates had already emerged through elections could trigger legal battles and deepen divisions within the party.
He warned that replacing elected candidates with preferred aspirants could lead to widespread discontent and ultimately threaten the party’s future.
“It is unfortunate because many Nigerians expected the NDC to set a better example. What is happening now resembles the same controversies witnessed in other political parties during their primaries,” he said.
Enugu Governorship Aspirant Expresses Confidence
In contrast, Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji, who emerged as the winner of one faction’s governorship primary in Enugu State, expressed confidence that the outcome would stand.
He stated that the election was conducted across the state’s 17 local government areas under the supervision of party officials and monitored by INEC.
Ene-Nwannaji dismissed speculation that the result could be altered, insisting that the process complied with legal requirements.
“I am not agitated. The party is carrying out its due diligence, and I am confident they will not find anything contrary to what was done,” he said.
Stakeholders Await Official Position
Efforts to obtain comments from Obidient Movement Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, were unsuccessful. Tanko reportedly told newsmen he was in a meeting and would respond later, but had not done so as of the time of filing the report.
With the party yet to release the official results, members and supporters across the country continue to await clarity on who will eventually fly the NDC flag in the 2027 elections, amid growing concerns that the prolonged delay could spark internal disputes and court challenges.
