The Nigeria Democratic Congress has insisted that its nationwide primaries will go ahead on May 29 despite mounting logistical chaos triggered by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and widespread transportation disruptions across the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly primaries remain firmly on course in line with its original timetable.
The party, however, admitted that severe travel difficulties and the scarcity of flights had left many aspirants and screening officials stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.
“Major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights,” the party said.
It added that many aspirants and members of the screening committee were unable to leave the nation’s capital due to the disruptions caused by the Sallah holidays.
To manage the situation, the party announced that May 28 would now be dedicated to arrivals, consultations, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, alongside stakeholder meetings and final preparations ahead of the primaries.
“The actual primaries will now hold on May 29,” the statement declared.
The NDC also moved swiftly to tighten control over the process, warning that no state chapter or local team had the authority to announce election results.
“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,” the statement said.
In a stern warning apparently aimed at preventing parallel congresses and manipulation, the party declared that security agencies including the police, DSS and INEC were not expected to interfere in meetings or activities scheduled for May 28.
“No agencies of the state, viz: Police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programmes and meetings of May 28,” the statement warned.
“Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal.”
According to the party, the primaries on May 29 will follow a strict sequence beginning with presidential affirmation, followed by National Assembly, state assembly and governorship primaries.
The NDC leadership also appealed for calm among aspirants and supporters, stressing that the party would not tolerate violence or political thuggery during the exercise.
“We call for understanding and urge all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, as the party has zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the statement added.
The development comes as political parties across Nigeria battle intense internal maneuvering, logistical setbacks and growing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
