RismadarVoice Reporters, June 3, 2026
The continued delay by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in announcing the official results of its nationwide primaries has triggered uncertainty among aspirants, party members and political observers, raising concerns about transparency and internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries, conducted across the country on May 28 and 29, were expected to produce candidates for various elective positions. However, days after the exercise, the party is yet to release the official results, leaving aspirants and supporters in suspense.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, urged the public to disregard results circulating on social media, insisting that only the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) is authorised to announce the outcome of the primaries.
According to him, the NEC is currently reviewing reports from across the country and will release the official list of candidates after completing ratification procedures and before forwarding names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the assurance, uncertainty persists across several states and constituencies, with many aspirants reportedly relocating to Abuja in search of information regarding the status of their nominations.
One aspirant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had remained in the Federal Capital Territory since the primaries, alongside other hopefuls seeking clarity on developments within the party.
The delay has also attracted criticism from some party stakeholders who fear the situation could damage the credibility of the NDC, particularly as it seeks to position itself as an alternative political force ahead of the next general election.
In Anambra State, an aspirant for Awka South Constituency II, Chinedu Raymond Obue, called on the party to respect the outcome of the primary election conducted in his constituency. He claimed he secured a decisive victory in the exercise and warned against any attempt to overturn the result through administrative processes.
According to Obue, altering outcomes already decided by delegates could undermine confidence in the party and its commitment to democratic principles.
Similar concerns were raised by an NDC official in the South-East, who alleged that the delay was linked to efforts by influential party figures to favour certain aspirants who failed to secure victory at the primaries.
The official criticised the reported introduction of a “selection committee” after the conduct of the primaries, describing the move as inconsistent with democratic norms.
He argued that if consensus arrangements were intended, they should have preceded the primary elections rather than being introduced after delegates had already voted.
According to him, replacing candidates who emerged through the ballot with individuals selected through internal negotiations could trigger legal disputes and deepen internal divisions within the party.
He warned that any attempt to substitute winners could undermine the NDC’s image and expose it to the same criticisms often directed at established political parties over the conduct of their primaries.
However, not all aspirants appear concerned by the delay.
In Enugu State, governorship aspirant Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji expressed confidence that the outcome of the governorship primary would remain unchanged.
He said the election was conducted across the state’s 17 local government areas under the supervision of party officials and monitored by INEC, adding that the process complied with legal requirements.
Ene-Nwannaji maintained that he was not troubled by the delay, insisting that any review of the exercise would confirm the validity of the outcome.
According to him, the party leadership is entitled to conduct due diligence before making formal announcements, and there is no evidence to suggest the result will be altered.
The prolonged wait has nevertheless heightened expectations among party members, with many now closely watching how the NDC resolves the matter.
Political analysts say the party’s handling of the situation could shape public perception of its commitment to internal democracy and influence confidence in its preparedness for the 2027 elections.
As stakeholders await the NEC’s final decision, the delayed announcement has become an early test of the party’s ability to manage competing interests while maintaining the confidence of its members and supporters.
