The Nigerian Democratic Congress has reaffirmed that its nationwide primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly positions will proceed on May 29, despite disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
The party said the festive period had created transportation and logistical difficulties, including limited flight availability, leaving several aspirants and members of screening committees stranded in Abuja after screening exercises.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, explained that May 28 had been set aside for preparatory activities ahead of the primaries.
According to him, the day would be used for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, consultations and stakeholder engagements.
“The primaries will still take place nationwide on May 29, 2026, in line with the earlier approved timetable,” Cleopas said.
“However, due to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the public holidays, significant transportation and logistical challenges have emerged, including flight shortages. As a result, several aspirants and screening officials remain stranded in Abuja.”
The party chairman stated that teams deployed to various states would also utilise May 28 to engage party stakeholders, elders and aspirants before the commencement of the primaries.
He, however, cautioned that no state institution or security agency, including the police, the Department of State Services and INEC, should participate in any activity scheduled for May 28 outside officially approved procedures.
“Any activity outside the approved framework will be regarded as unauthorised and illegal,” the statement warned.
Cleopas further outlined the order of proceedings for the May 29 primaries, saying presidential affirmation would come first, followed by National Assembly, State Assembly and governorship primaries or affirmations.
He also directed that all election results from the states must be forwarded to the party’s national headquarters for collation and official declaration by the National Working Committee.
“The respective committees are expected to process and transmit all results to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will make the official announcement,” he said.
“No state executive or team has the authority to announce results independently.”
The NDC chairman urged aspirants and party members to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the process, stressing that acts of violence, disorderliness and hooliganism would not be tolerated during the exercise.
