ENUGU, Nigeria — A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East has warned the party leadership against delaying the release of primary election results and imposing candidates, cautioning that such actions could trigger internal crises and weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
The chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the growing tension within the party following the conduct of primaries for various elective positions. He alleged that some party leaders were deliberately withholding results to favour certain aspirants, a practice that he said could demoralise members and drive away credible candidates.
He called on the party’s national leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in the handling of primary elections, stressing that the NDC cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of other political parties that have been plagued by internal disputes over candidate selection. He noted that the party’s credibility and ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections depend on its commitment to internal democracy.
The chieftain further warned that if the party fails to address these issues promptly, it could face a mass exodus of members and supporters, similar to what has been witnessed in other political parties. He urged the leadership to take immediate steps to resolve all disputes arising from the primaries and to ensure that the will of the people is respected.
The NDC, which recently welcomed prominent politicians into its fold, is seeking to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. The party’s ability to manage internal disputes and uphold democratic principles will be critical to its success in the 2027 elections.
As the party prepares for the 2027 elections, the chieftain’s warning serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the NDC and the importance of internal cohesion. For now, the party leadership is expected to address these concerns to prevent any further damage to its reputation and electoral prospects.
