Uncertainty Rocks NDC as Delay in Primary Results Sparks Transparency Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing mounting pressure and growing internal discontent following its failure to announce the official results of its nationwide primaries conducted last week ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party held primaries across the country on May 28 and 29 to select candidates for various elective positions and subsequently convened a meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) to deliberate on the exercise and other related matters.
However, days after the primaries were concluded, the absence of official results has fueled speculation among party members, aspirants and political observers regarding the outcome of the process.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, distanced the party from several purported results circulating on social media and urged the public to disregard them.
“The general public is hereby urged to disregard the various results circulating on social media as the outcome of the nationwide primaries conducted by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on the 28th and 29th of May, 2026,” Director said.
He added that the official results remain under the custody of the party’s NEC, which is solely responsible for announcing the outcome of the primaries.
The party also assured members and stakeholders that the final list of candidates would be released after ratification procedures are completed and before submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the assurance, uncertainty continues to grip the party, with many aspirants reportedly relocating to Abuja in a bid to obtain firsthand information about developments within the NDC.
One aspirant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had remained in the Federal Capital Territory since the conclusion of the primaries, noting that several others had done the same while awaiting clarity from the party leadership.
Political analysts have also expressed concern over the delay, arguing that it raises questions about transparency, internal democracy and the party’s capacity to manage its first major electoral exercise since expanding across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Awka Assembly Aspirant Demands Respect for Primary Outcome
Amid the growing controversy, Chinedu Raymond Obue, an aspirant for the Awka South Constituency II seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly, called on the party to uphold the results of the May 29 primary election.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Obue maintained that the exercise held at Umuzocha Hall in Awka was free, fair and transparent.
According to him, he secured 625 votes against 73 votes polled by his opponent, Sam Chuks Okpanduka.
Obue said video evidence exists to support the credibility of the exercise and warned against any attempt to alter the outcome.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) must uphold the wishes of the people and resist any attempt to compromise this victory,” he stated.
He further cautioned that overturning the result could damage confidence in the party and undermine its democratic credentials.
Party Official Alleges Manipulation
An aggrieved NDC official from the South-East zone also criticised the handling of the primaries, alleging that efforts were underway to favour certain aspirants despite outcomes already emerging from the ballot.
The official claimed that the delay in releasing results was linked to the establishment of a “selection committee” after the conduct of the primaries.
According to him, such a move contradicts democratic principles and risks igniting legal disputes within the party.
He argued that if consensus arrangements were intended, they should have been implemented before the primaries rather than after members had participated in elections.
The official warned that announcing candidates different from those who emerged from the primaries could trigger widespread dissatisfaction and court battles.
“People expected NDC to actually set an example. At the end of the day, it is ending up with the same kind of controversies witnessed when other parties conducted their primaries,” he said.
He further warned that mishandling the process could ultimately weaken the party and erode the confidence of its supporters.
Enugu Governorship Aspirant Dismisses Speculation
In contrast, Professor James Ene-Nwannaji, who emerged victorious in the Enugu State governorship primary conducted by one faction of the NDC, expressed confidence that the outcome would stand.
Speaking on the controversy, Ene-Nwannaji said the primary election was conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state under the supervision of party officials and monitored by INEC.
He maintained that the process complied fully with legal requirements and dismissed reports suggesting that the result could be altered.
“The primaries were conducted by the party executives and monitored by INEC in line with the law, and I emerged as the winner,” he said.
“I’m not agitated either. The party will come up any day they conclude studying the report. We are waiting for them because they will not find anything contrary to what we have done.”
According to him, any speculation about changes to the outcome remains unfounded, insisting that due diligence by the party leadership would only confirm the validity of the process.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from Obidient Movement Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, were unsuccessful. Tanko told reporters he was in a meeting and would respond later, but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
As anticipation grows, party members across the country continue to await the official announcement of candidates, with many hoping the NDC’s leadership will act swiftly to quell concerns and preserve confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
