ABUJA – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the adoption of direct primaries as its preferred method for selecting candidates for State Assembly positions ahead of upcoming internal and general elections.
The decision marks a significant shift in the party’s internal electoral process, aimed at widening participation and strengthening democratic engagement among party members at the grassroots level.
Party officials explained that the move is designed to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in the selection of candidates who will represent the party at the State Assembly level across various constituencies.
Details Of The New Primary System
Under the new arrangement, all registered members of the party at the constituency level will be eligible to participate directly in the selection of candidates, rather than relying on a limited delegate system.
The party leadership stated that the direct primary system is expected to reduce internal disputes, enhance legitimacy of candidates, and give ordinary members a stronger voice in decision-making processes.
It was also noted that the decision followed extensive consultations within party structures, where concerns about fairness and broader participation in candidate selection were raised and addressed.
Strengthening Internal Democracy
According to party insiders, the adoption of direct primaries is part of broader efforts by the National Democratic Congress to deepen internal democracy and reposition the party ahead of future elections.
They argued that allowing all eligible members to vote directly in primaries will help build trust within the party and strengthen unity among supporters.
The party leadership emphasized that internal democracy remains a key pillar for political stability and long-term electoral success.
Concerns And Expectations
Some political observers have noted that while direct primaries promote inclusiveness, they may also present logistical and financial challenges due to the larger number of participants involved in the voting process.
However, supporters of the reform believe the benefits outweigh the challenges, arguing that broader participation will produce more credible and widely accepted candidates.
Analysts also suggest that the move could influence other political parties in the country to review their own internal electoral systems in favor of more participatory models.
Looking Ahead
The National Democratic Congress maintained that preparations for the implementation of the direct primary system are already underway, with party structures at various levels expected to be sensitized on the new guidelines.
The party expressed confidence that the reform will strengthen its electoral competitiveness and enhance unity among members as it prepares for future State Assembly elections.
