By Rhoda Godwin
Abuja — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday concluded its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries and affirmation exercises, recording large turnout and largely peaceful proceedings across the country.
The two-day exercise, which began Thursday, May 28 and ended Friday, May 29, drew crowds of party members and supporters to voting and affirmation centres in multiple states. Despite earlier concerns that the Eid-el-Kabir holiday and transport disruptions might hamper logistics, party officials said the exercise proceeded smoothly in most locations.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), monitored proceedings at various centres to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and maintain order. Reports from the federation described voting as transparent, orderly and well coordinated, with party stakeholders commending aspirants and supporters for mature conduct.
A notable feature of the NDC’s approach was its decision to allow aspirants to participate in primaries and affirmation processes before purchasing nomination forms — an arrangement party supporters called innovative and unprecedented in Nigeria’s political landscape. Under the arrangement, nomination forms will be sold only to candidates who emerge successful from the primaries, a move the party says is intended to strengthen internal democracy and broaden participation.
Many centres witnessed celebratory scenes as supporters chanted solidarity songs and expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. Party leaders described the successful completion of the exercise as a milestone in the NDC’s growth and a demonstration of commitment to democratic values, credible leadership and national development.
The party’s National Working Committee is in the process of collating results and is expected to make official announcements from the NDC national headquarters once collation is complete. Supporters have interpreted the high turnout as evidence of rising public interest in the NDC ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
The statement announcing the conclusion of the exercise was signed by Osa Director Esq., National Publicity Secretary of the NDC.
