NDC sets up 20-member committee to oversee primaries for 2026 elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated a 20-member National Selection Committee to supervise the screening and selection of aspirants contesting for governorship and National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2026 elections.

The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja in a statement by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu. He explained that the committee was approved by the party’s National Leader following recommendations from the National Working Committee as part of preparations for the upcoming primaries.

According to Enekweizu, the committee will review and assess reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and make final decisions on the eligibility of aspirants.

“The committee is mandated to scrutinise the recommendations of the screening panel and take appropriate decisions to ensure a credible outcome,” he said, adding that the process is aimed at fostering consensus and producing widely accepted candidates.

Moses Cleopas was named chairman of the committee, with Enekweizu serving as secretary. Other members include Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Dr Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Dr Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.

The party stated that only aspirants cleared by the committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.

Enekweizu noted that the arrangement is designed to strengthen internal unity and encourage consensus among aspirants. However, he added that where consensus fails, the party will conduct direct primaries between May 28 and May 30 in line with its electoral guidelines.

He reiterated that the overall process is intended to ensure a free, fair and credible selection of candidates for the elections.